8 Ways To Resist Tobacco Cravings
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09 July 2025
Smoking can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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If you've been trying to quit or are thinking about quitting, here are 8 ways to resist the urge to smoke or use tobacco when a craving strikes
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Distract yourself: Keep your hands and mind busy. Go for a walk, chew gum, play a game, or scroll through a funny video
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Drink water: Sipping cold water through a straw can mimic the hand-to-mouth motion of smoking and help reduce the urge
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Delay the urge: Tell yourself to wait just 10 minutes. Most cravings pass within a few minutes
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Avoid triggers: Stay away from places, people, or situations that remind you of smoking, especially in the early days
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Deep breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to relax your body and reduce the intensity of cravings
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Physical activity: Even a short burst of exercise - a quick jog, climbing stairs - can reduce cravings and lift your mood
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Chew something: Snack on healthy items like nuts, carrots, or sugar-free gum to keep your mouth busy
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Remind yourself why you quit: Keep a list of reasons to quit - health, family, savings - and reread it when the urge hits
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