One of my biggest triggers is after I'm done eating. I am on day one and so far I have been managing, but I know the days ahead are going to be more testing. I was the type that smoked after I ate anything. So far drinking a glass of water and brushing my teeth after every meal has helped a lot. I was just wondering if anyone else had any personal experience tips that I could use. Thanks!
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One thing that really helped me a lot was to pretend smoke straws. I cut them to size, wadded up a little piece of paper in them to make the "draw" like that of cigarette and puffed away. Doesn't exactly alter your focus, actually it's probably just reinforcing the habit, but if you're as desperate as I was it'll do. Anything that keeps you from smoking is what it's all about.
I also found that drinking plain green tea would not only help kill my appetite but smoking cravings as well.
And slow deep breaths, drawn through the teeth and blown out with the same puckered lips you used to blow smoke out with helps too.
Some people put a rubber band around their wrist and snap it. For me - I think a hammer to the head would have been more effective. LOL
Hang in.
(NOTE THIS IS ALL OUT OF ORDER DUE TO THE CHANGE IN SITE: THE CORRECT ORDER IS AS FOLLOWS:)
After eating - (This discussion was started by Jennifer)
One of my biggest triggers is after I'm done eating. I am on day one and so far I have been managing, but I know the days ahead are going to be more testing. I was the type that smoked after I ate anything. So far drinking a glass of water and brushing my teeth after every meal has helped a lot. I was just wondering if anyone else had any personal experience tips that I could use. Thanks!
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Replies to This Discussion
Giulia Permalink Reply by Giulia on October 31, 2009 at 1:00pm
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I, like you, smoked after just about everything I ate. Even sometimes DURING food. The two things you're currently doing are spot on. What you don't want to do is linger at the table. Eat, get up and get out. The sooner you can change your focus, the better.
One thing that really helped me a lot was to pretend smoke straws. I cut them to size, wadded up a little piece of paper in them to make the "draw" like that of cigarette and puffed away. Doesn't exactly alter your focus, actually it's probably just reinforcing the habit, but if you're as desperate as I was it'll do. Anything that keeps you from smoking is what it's all about.
I also found that drinking plain green tea would not only help kill my appetite but smoking cravings as well.
And slow deep breaths, drawn through the teeth and blown out with the same puckered lips you used to blow smoke out with helps too.
Some people put a rubber band around their wrist and snap it. For me - I think a hammer to the head would have been more effective. LOL
Hang in.
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Jennifer Permalink Reply by Jennifer on October 31, 2009 at 1:10pm
Thanks for the advice, these are some great tips!
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MLynne Permalink Reply by MLynne on October 31, 2009 at 7:33pm
After meals...still one of the toughest times for me. I grab either a stick of chewing gum or a cinnamon disk, and soldier on.
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Mike in @lanta Permalink Reply by Mike in @lanta on November 2, 2009 at 1:26pm
I must agree with Giulia, "a hammer to the head would have been more effective for her". Just kiddin Giulia. ;o)
I always smoked after eating anything & really enjoyed that time smoking. YES, change your habits. Go for a walk, go for a run, go for a ride, clip your dogs toenails, clip your husbands toenails just do anything that's different from your previous routine. I see nothing wrong with the fake straws if it works for ya. You just can't let it influence you the other way.
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Giulia Permalink Reply by Giulia on November 2, 2009 at 2:12pm
Actually an "iron maiden" would have been the best weapon to combat smoking urges. Make you forget ALL ABOUT cigarettes right quick. Maybe somebody should put them back in production as an NRT. HA!