Find New Ways To Relieve Stress When Quitting Smoking

We could make a long list of some of the ways we’ve dealt with stress besides smoking. But each person is different. So we encourage you to explore the possibilities for yourself.

So sit down and imagine the things that might make you feel stressed. An argument with a friend? Being stuck in traffic? Now’s the time to prepare for them. What are you going to do when they happen?

Right now you might believe that smoking is the only way to deal with stress. It’s not surprising when you consider how it gets you outside, away from stressful situations and changes your focus. The thing is, you’ve used smoking as your one and only panic button for a long time. Now that you’ve quit smoking, it’s a good time to list some other ways to reduce stress. Here are a few to get you started:

	Start eating a healthier diet. A lot of those greasy foods we like are also smoking triggers.
	Drink less caffeine. Once you quit smoking, the effects of caffeine can increase, potentially making you feel nervous or cranky.
	Spend time with positive, supportive people. You can also do that online by joining our EX Community.
	Exercise or take up a hobby. Walk the dog, run, do things with your hands — play cards, go bowling, paint or knit — anything helps. Our Mayo Clinic expert has additional advice about exercise here.
	Carry a bottle of water Take a “cleansing” drink when you feel an urge to smoke.
	Get enough sleep. If you’re feeling tired throughout your day, it can make minor little annoyances seem like major issues.
	Treat yourself to something like a massage or pedicure. Maybe go fishing with your friends. Doing something that relaxes you can work miracles.