7 Ways to Fight Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms this World No Tobacco Day

May 16, 2016

There is no better time to commit to giving up smoking than on World No Tobacco Day – a whole day dedicated to quitting smoking and better health. One of the hardest things people who are trying to quit smoking face are the cigarette cravings, which often lead to a relapse. In the honour of World No Tobacco Day, we’ve put together these 7 ways you can fight nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

1: Chew Those Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms Away

One of the best ways to get you through cigarette cravings when you are quitting, is to keep your mouth busy. Chew sugarless gum, snack on raw carrots or anything that is crunchy and satisfying to chew – to get you through the cravings.

2: Stay Away From Smoking Triggers

To lessen your cigarette cravings avoid places, situations or activities that you associate with smoking. Nothing will intensify those nicotine withdrawal symptoms more than putting yourself in a situation, such as a bar or a party, which could cause a relapse. Instead, identify your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

3: Find Support to Get You Through the Worst Cravings

Giving up smoking is no easy matter and facing your cigarette cravings alone could lead to you giving up on the giving up. Get support from friends, family, friends or professional help from GoSmokeFree to ensure that you are not fighting your nicotine withdrawal symptoms alone. If you are committed to quit smoking this World No Tobacco Day, use it to rally support so that you can lean on people – especially the first four weeks when it’s the hardest.  

4: Staying Active Reduces Cravings

Not only does physical activity help thwart cigarette cravings, but the extra activity will help burn a few extra calories as well. Try 30 minutes of exercise next time the cravings hit, such as jogging, walking, running on the spot or push ups, and you could dramatically reduce your nicotine withdrawal symptoms. If you are somewhere where you lack workout space or exercise is difficult for you, then do anything to keep you busy such as catching up on filing or vacuuming the house.

5: Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Every time a craving hits, remind yourself why you wanted to quit smoking. Write down all the reasons you are doing it and keep it somewhere visible.  Reminding yourself of the reasons can help you get through the cravings.  

6: Stay in Smoke Free Areas

If you have decided to quit smoking, the first thing to do is to avoid other smokers as much as possible. Avoid smoking areas of restaurants, visit malls or other public places that don’t allow smoking, or go to the movies for a couple of hours. This will not only distract you from the cigarette cravings but limit them too.

7: Delay the Cigarette Cravings

When you feel the nicotine withdrawal symptoms starting to take hold, and it feels like you may not make it, delay them by telling yourself just 10 more minutes.  Then do whatever you can do to distract yourself. 10 minutes to delay your relapse and then 10 minutes more can help you get through the worst of it without giving up on giving up smoking.

We hope these 7 ways help you  fight your nicotine withdrawal symptoms, give you the tools to take on World No Tobacco Day and help jumpstart your decision to quit smoking. Have some tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments below or mail us at info@gosmokefree.co.za