Identify and Manage Cravings and Triggers
Learn how to handle your triggers and cravings
Honesty and self-awareness are a necessity when you're replacing bad habits with good ones. The fact that you're here right now shows that you have the desire to quit smoking, and that's huge! It may feel overwhelming, but just like everything you've learned in life so far, it breaks down to putting one foot in front of the other and repeating until it's second nature. Yes, it's tough in the beginning, but start by changing your mindset. Take a deep breath and focus on why you want to quit. Rather than looking at it as something you're "giving up," remind yourself of all the wonderful things you have to gain. We’re here to help!
Let's start with common triggers and ways to manage the cravings.
Pro Tips:
- Keep a calendar at home, in the office, or wherever you need it most, and for every day that you don't smoke, you add the number of cigarettes you would have. Each day, add that number to the day before. If you smoke a pack a day, within one week, you will see actual proof of your good choices, which can help keep you positive! 20/40/60/80/100/120/140 That's 140 cigarettes not smoked, 700 minutes or 11.66 hours not wasted, $38.57 saved. WOW! Seeing this much progress accumulate over time will also give you the extra boost not to go back down to zero.
- Write meaningful post-it notes to yourself and leave them in areas that may trigger you. This could be as simple as a word or mantra “choose” “power” “strength” “breathe”
- Write down all the things you DON'T like about smoking. When you are feeling weak in a moment of craving, it can be a terrific reminder that smoking that cigarette won’t solve a thing.