Seven things to do instead of smoking

Holly Enriquez
Friday, August 24, 2012
Seven things to do instead of smoking
Image: Getty Images

Want to really quit this time? You're going to need distraction.

"We know that most people do quit smoking cold turkey, relying on their willpower or even their 'skill power'", says Blythe O'Hara, Cancer Institute NSW's Manager of Cancer Prevention.

"Substituting smoking with another activity can be a great way to help you kick the habit," she says.

Health & Wellbeing takes a look at healthy and non-addictive ways to distract yourself when cravings strike.

1. Go for a run

Lace up your runners and go for a run in the fresh air when you feel the cravings start creeping up. "Not only will it help divert your attention when you are experiencing cravings, but regular exercise can also help reduce stress, improve your overall health and reduces your risk of many chronic diseases," says O'Hara.

2 Go shopping

"People smoke to reward themselves, for example after completing a job," says Philip Feinstein from Smokeenders. "They now need to reward themselves with some positives things, like buying a bunch of flowers, going to a movie or getting some new clothing." And remember, you do have all that extra money now.

3. Play a game

When the urge to smoke hits playing a game is a great way to distract your mind and keep your fingers busy. Visit the Quit Victoria website http://www.quit.org.au/distraction-games.aspx for some useful 'distraction games'.

Gallery: Five non-graphic images to stop you smoking

4. Make a phone call

Having a support network is vital so picking up the phone and talking to a friend or a professional can be extremely effective. "It is important to know that you are not alone in your journey to quit," says O'Hara. "Support is only a phone call away, so make the most of the specially trained advisors at the Quitline on 13 QUIT."

5. Jump online

Struggling to quit on your own? Join an online community of like-minded people who are also on their quitting journey at iCanQuit.com.au. You can vent your frustrations and learn from other peoples' experiences, too. There is also a 'My Journey' section of the site that allows you to track your progress.

Gallery: Is the fear of weight gain stopping you from quitting smoking?

6. Book an acupuncture appointment

Getting pricked with needles may not be your idea of relief from the pang of cravings, but an analysis of studies published in the American Journal of Medicine found that the ancient practice may help smokers quit. One 2008 study of 258 smokers found that 55 percent who'd received laser acupuncture quit the habit in six months, compared with four percent who were not given the treatment.

7. Write in your diary

"Keeping a record of when one wants to smoke, and in what circumstances, is a clever way of identifying one's own personal triggers," says Phillip. Each smoker has their own triggers, so by tabulating and recognising them is a positive step forward to avoid relapsing. He adds that writing down the positive effects after quitting is also a terrific reinforcement tool.

For more information about the health improvements of quitting go to www.quitnow.gov.au or www.quit.org.au

User comments
Read Allen Carrs Easy Way to Give Up Smoking. It worked for me. I haven't smoked for four years and no cravings. He changes your mind set. I think you must want to give up smoking though.
All nice and "pretty" suggestions. But like the varied prescriptions dished out for weight loss, they are all designed to try and kid the brain. You will not fool the brain so easily. This is not between you and cigarettes. This is between you and a very powerful aspect of the brain that lies within all of us. The same aspect that is involved in all self sabotage and destructive behaviours. Its also the same aspect of the brain that keeps humans ignorant divided as dangerous - making us treat beliefs as absolute truths. It is much easier to conquer any issue when you first learn what this aspect of the brain is and how to disempower it. My book on the subject matter is presently being prepared for publication. As to acupunture WHAT rubbish - don't believe everything you are told.

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