One of the hardest parts of quitting is managing cravings. Everyone’s quit journey is unique and you will learn what works best for you by trying different things.
Give some of these tips a try:
Brush your teeth, chew gum or have a mint
Try cinnamon flavoured gum to get through a craving. Chewing gum, a mint or a cinnamon stick can be a great distraction.
Keep your hands busy
Holding a stress ball, a pen, or a straw can work wonders ingetting through a craving. It takes away the need to have a cigarette or vape in your hand.
Simple deep breathing can be one of the best ways to manage a craving. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth to calm and clear your mind instead of reaching for a cigarette.
Take advantage of quitting medications and therapies, as well as free support and counselling services
Take the first step by talking to a Quit Coach to understand the free support that’s available to you, from medication to counselling. BC Public Service employees are eligible for some smoking cessation medication reimbursement through extended benefits and the BC Smoking Cessation Program.
Shake up your routine and avoid temptation
One of the best ways to avoid a craving is to change your routine, especially around the times you would normally smoke or vape.
For example, if you usually have a cigarette with your morning coffee, try switching to tea instead.
It only takes a few days after quitting smoking to recover your sense of smell and taste.
