Health Tips

Learning how to deal with social situations after quitting smoking can be tough.  Not many things in life can be as difficult as learning to deal with the social circumstances that we all face as a non smoker, however nothing can beat the feeling of knowing that you conquered something that defeats many people their entire lives.

Often, especially when we are in an unfamiliar situation, we are confronted with feelings of fear, or perhaps inadequacy.  It is then that we light up to “calm our nerves”.  It would be helpful to plan ahead of time what you will do when confronted with these feelings, so that you will be confident when you do face them.

Evaluate what triggers your desire to light up.  Is it habit or stress?  What social situations cause you to want a cigarette?  These are important questions that must be answered if you want to be successful in social situations, and in quitting smoking altogether.

One thing that you can do, would be to practice relaxation techniques.  Practice taking long, slow and deep breaths.  Calmly remind yourself either out loud, or mentally, of the reasons why you wanted to quit in the first place.

Another thing that you can do is try to get your mind off of the desire to light up.  Talk to someone you know, or perhaps just met.  Focus intently on listening to what they are saying, rather than the voice in your mind saying “just one won’t hurt”.  Tell that voice that yes, “one would hurt”, and that you are in control of your life, that you are making the choice to become a healthier person.

Eat or drink something.  Often, an urge can be held back or at least lessened by drinking a glass of water.  Be certain to stay hydrated, because as your body is trying to rid itself of toxins, you will find your hunger and thirst levels starting to change.

Enlist the aid of your friends – let your friends and family know of your intentions.  Even if this is the hundredth time you’ve told them you’re quitting smoking, it doesn’t matter.  They will be happy to know that you are trying, and will do whatever they can to help you.  When they ask you “what can I do to help you”, don’t be shy about it.  Think about it ahead of time, and let them know exactly what they can do.  For example, if they are smokers themselves, you can ask them if they would please not smoke in front of you, at least until you’ve beaten the cravings and been smoke free for a while.

If at all possible, avoid the situation.  Do yourself a favor and stay away from any social situation that will prompt you to want to light up.  Only you know what your strongest cues to smoke are.  Use that knowledge to your benefit.

Plan to reward yourself after successfully encountering new social situations as a nonsmoker.  Make sure that the rewards are gratifying to you.  Above all else, be kind to yourself.  Forgive yourself when you mess up, and just keep on trying.