Having a cup of coffee, watching TV, even leaving work for the day: Any situation you used to pair with a cigarette can be a trigger to light up again after you quit. Stay away from these situations as much as you can until they don’t give you the urge to smoke anymore. When you can’t steer clear of them, know this: Most cravings last no more than 10 minutes. Try to keep busy (chewing sugarless gum or a toothpick might help) until it passes.

Even seeing smoke-related items can make you want to light up. After all, they go hand-in-hand with your old habit. That’s why your lighters and ashtrays should get tossed with your cigarettes. If you live with a smoker, ask them to keep their smoking gear out of your sight.

Chances are, you once passed time by smoking. So when you don’t have anything to do, you may be tempted to light up. Staying busy is important. It helps to plan activities you like to do, so you have something to look forward to.

You may have lit up to help calm your nerves during tense times. So when you’re stressed, your first reaction may be to reach for a cigarette. It’s key to find another stress reliever. Exercise -- something as simple as a short stroll -- can help your body release calming brain chemicals. Deep breathing and meditation can help, too.

That familiar odor can remind you of when you used to smoke, which can trigger a craving. Steer clear of smoky places and even smoky-smelling things like clothes. If you can’t avoid them, do your best to distract yourself until you can get away from them.

Seeing someone else smoke -- even on TV or in a movie -- can trigger an urge. Try to spend less time with other smokers just after you’ve kicked the habit. It helps to tell them why you’re not around as much as you were.

Caffeine can make you jittery, tense, and stressed. And, as you know, stress is a major smoking trigger. So go easy on caffeine or avoid it altogether with water or a decaf beverage. If you need something to do with your mouth, chew on sugarless gum, a straw, or even a coffee stirrer.

If you usually smoked while you drank alcohol, even one drink can trigger an urge to light up, especially right after you quit. Alcohol also weakens your willpower, which can raise your odds of a slip-up. You may need to pass on going to parties until you’re over the hump

When your body wants nicotine, it might feel really hard to say no. Keep in mind, most cravings pass within 10 minutes. And physical withdrawal -- your body’s dependence on the nicotine in cigarettes -- only about lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Better your odds of riding out cravings with nicotine replacement aids, like gum or patches. Talk to your doctor about what would be best for you.

YOUR NEXT STEP...

If you have tried, and been unsuccesful, at quitting smoking or vaping using the techniques outlined in Stop Smoking - The Best Way then:

Contact Peter to make an appointment for a free initial consultation for a course of smoking cessation therapy.

or go to Smoking and Vaping - Best Help, Advice, Therapy & Treatment

The Surrey Hypnotherapy Clinic TM

For professional, caring and confidential help, adviice, therapy or treatment for, or about, any of the above issues or topics, or similar, just contact Peter, preferably by e-mail, to arrange an appointment for your free initial consultation.

Acknowledgements

http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/ss/slideshow-smoking-triggers