How to be stronger than your cravings

Exercise can improve your mood and relieve stress.

Distance yourself from the craving. Taking your dog for a walk or just going for a stroll can help reduce cravings.

A hot shower is a relaxing way to distract yourself from cravings. As an added bonus, you can’t smoke when you’re wet.

Many people experience a craving after eating. Instead of reaching for a cigarette, change your routine and grab your toothbrush.

Holding a pencil can replace the feeling of holding a cigarette. Puzzles are also a relaxing way to deal with stress and anxiety.

A sympathetic ear can help avoid the urge to smoke.

Water hydrates you and fills you up, and drinking it regularly helps lessen nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Fresh breath is a great way to fight cravings. It cools your mouth and helps your brain think it doesn’t want a cigarette.

Replace the need to pick up a cigarette with a low-calorie, healthy snack.

Changing locations helps fight cravings. Plus, smoking isn’t allowed in movie theatres.

Running, jogging, and even walking help keep you busy, boost your energy, and make a craving go away.

Physical activity can help distract you from tobacco cravings and reduce their intensity.

Keep your mouth busy with a healthy snack like nuts or sunflower seeds.

Physical activity helps fight cravings. Walk up a flight of stairs or do stretches at your desk.

Take a 10-minute break to think about your reason (or reasons) for quitting.

Spicy foods tend to bring on cravings in some people. Try soup, salad, or a sandwich instead.

Avoid the cafeteria altogether. Keep fresh crunchy vegetables in the office fridge. Keep an eye out for thieves.

Spend your lunch hour at the gym. You can’t smoke there and the workout will do you good.

If you’re with others who are smoking, leave—and don’t return until they’ve finished.

Ask your co-workers not to smoke around you or offer you a cigarette.

Picture yourself as a non-smoker. Think how good it will be to tell others you finally quit.

Talk to your supervisor about your workload. Less pressure equals less temptation to smoke.

Try getting into work an hour earlier. You’ll get a jump on the day, making it less stressful.

Spend five minutes quietly meditating at your desk. It can help you focus on the task at hand.

Keep candy or straws in the glove box so you can grab one to keep your mouth busy when a craving hits.

If you normally smoke in the car, try taking the train or a bus. You’ll get there smoke-free.

At the next traffic light, take 10 deep-cleansing breaths to help the craving pass.

Go for a swim or jog. Studies show that exercise helps curb the urge to smoke.

Meditation teaches mindfulness, which can help you accept cravings and learn how to combat them.

Take your mind off the craving. A good beach read or a stack of gossip magazines can help keep you distracted.

Skip the drive-thru. Instead, eat inside the restaurant where smoking is not allowed.

Research shows that drinking milk before you light up makes a cigarette taste awful. The same goes for cheese and yogurt.

Alcohol can make the urge to smoke stronger. Go with flavored seltzer, cranberry juice, or a non-alcoholic beer.

Retail stores don’t allow smoking on the premises. Duck into one and stay until the craving passes.

Call or text a friend for some words of encouragement. The conversation will also distract your mind.

Are you bored? Don’t stay in the same place for too long. Keeping busy can help you curb the urge.