Quitting Tobacco: Help for the First Hard Days

Sip Cold Water and Eat Small Meals
Sipping cold water through a straw can help replace the act of sucking on a cigarette. It also releases dopamine, a feel-good brain chemical that can help ease bad moods, research shows.
Eating small meals can also help you get past the urge to smoke. Choose lean, healthy foods to avoid weight gain.

Note Instant Rewards

You don't have to wait long to begin enjoying the benefits of a smoke-free life. Keep a written list of the good things as you begin to notice them. They might include feeling in control, saving money, smelling better, tasting food more vividly, and feeling more energetic. When the urge to smoke strikes, look at your list as a reminder of what you've gained from quitting.

Brush Your Teeth Often

One of the instant perks of quitting is that your mouth tastes better and your breath smells better. Brush often. That way, you'll be less inclined to light up a cigarette and foul that clean, fresh mouth.

(Image from internet)

Avoid Alcohol

Drinking it is one of the most common things that makes people go back to smoking. Here's why. Alcohol breaks down self-restraint, and that can erode your commitment to quitting. Many people also associate the act of drinking with smoking, so it may trigger you to light up.

Find Your Own No-Smoking Zones

When the urge to smoke strikes, go somewhere you can't light up -- a movie, the library, or a store for example. The more distracting the place is, the easier it will be to ride out cravings.

Remember Your Reasons for Quitting

Write down a list of all your reasons to stop smoking. Make copies and post them wherever you spend time -- in the kitchen, at the office, beside the bathroom mirror. Put them where they are easy to see, so you're reminded wherever you go. Some ex-smokers say they found it useful to put photos of family and loved ones alongside their reasons.

Be Active Every Day

Exercise offers a powerful distraction from cravings. When your body is active, it sends out natural chemicals that help your mood and ease your stress. Walking is one of the easiest exercises for most people. Choosing a few different activities might help you stay motivated, though. Set aside time to be physically active every day -- especially in the first month after you've quit smoking.

(From www.webmd.com)