TIPS TO STOP SMOKING

Source: "Ask the CIS" by the Cancer Information Service of the Heartland

Have you recently stopped smoking but still have a strong urge for cigarettes?  Take a look at the following tips to find some help.
Remember that the urge to smoke usually lasts only three to five minutes. Try to wait it out.

Here are some tips from the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) on controlling the urge to smoke:

~ Keep other things around instead of cigarettes, such as carrots, pickles, sunflower seeds, apples, raisins, or sugar-free gum.

~ Wash your hands or the dishes when you want a cigarette very badly. Or take a shower.

~ Learn to relax quickly by taking deep breaths. Take 10 slow, deep breaths and hold the last one. Then breathe out slowly. Relax all of your muscles. Picture a soothing, pleasant scene and think only about that image. Get away from it all for a moment.

~ Light incense or a candle instead of a cigarette.

~ Where you are and what is going on around you can make you crave a cigarette. A change of scene can really help. Go outside, go to a different room, or change what you are doing.

~ No matter what, don't think, "Just one won't hurt." It will hurt. It will undo your work so far.

~ Remember: Trying something to beat the urge is always better than trying nothing.