Living Without Smoking - Sharon Bell

How do you live without smoking? Impossible as that sounds to nicotine addicts, it can be done. Here are more quitting tips courtesy of the National Cancer Institute.

Immediately after quitting:

Develop a clean, fresh, nonsmoking environment around yourself - at work and at home. Buy yourself flowers - you may be surprised how much you can enjoy their scent now.

The first few days after you quit, spend as much free time as possible in places where smoking isn't allowed, such as libraries, museums, theaters, department stores, and churches.

Drink large quantities of water and fruit juice (but avoid sodas that contain caffeine).

Try to avoid alcohol, coffee, and other beverages that you associate with cigarette smoking.

If you miss the sensation of having a cigarette in your hand, play with something else - a pencil, a paper clip, a marble.

If you miss having something in your mouth, try toothpicks or a fake cigarette.


Avoid temptation:

Instead of smoking after meals, get up from the table and brush your teeth or go for a walk.

If you always smoke while driving, listen to a particularly interesting radio program or your favorite music, or take public transportation for a while, if you can.

For the first one to three weeks, avoid situations you strongly associate with the pleasurable aspects of smoking, such as watching your favorite TV program, sitting in your favorite chair, or having a cocktail before dinner.

Until you're confident of your ability to stay off cigarettes, limit your socializing to healthful, outdoor activities or situations where smoking isn't allowed.

If you must be in a situation where'll you be tempted to smoke (such as a cocktail or dinner party), try to associate with the nonsmokers there. (Next: How to change your smoking habits.)

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