a position that grows a new addiction. Because of this, it’s best to avoid nicotine-flavored things as a substitute.
Do Avoid Triggers
Maybe there was a place you always used to smoke at. Maybe there are certain friends you used to always smoke with. Maybe you did a certain activity that ended with you smoking a cigarette. It would be best to avoid some of these triggers, depending on how prevalent they were in your life.
If you normally took a walk somewhere and ended the walk with a cigarette, try walking a different route and ending with a bottle of water or juice.
If you normally hang out with a specific friend that continues to smoke, you might want to set boundaries. Try meeting up with that friend in an area that doesn’t allow smoking, or eating at a restaurant, so your mouth can stay busy.
It might seem unfortunate to change parts of your routine to accommodate your new lifestyle, but people undermine what can be a trigger for them to smoke.
A moment of “just one won’t hurt” can change the trajectory of your process. Stay strong and assess what may trigger you to pick up another cigarette.
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Don’t Avoid People
Though quitting smoking is a personal and primarily independent journey, it’s important that you remain social and open. Talking to a friend over the phone when you’re struggling, or meeting up with a family member when you need someone to talk to you, are both great ways to feel supported, and loved during this process.
Spending most of your time alone may make you more susceptible to breaking. Being physically alone can make you feel like you’re emotionally and mentally alone during this process.
Any level of engagement may even help you quit, possibly taking your mind off of the urge to have nicotine, or relieving some stress.