NATURAL AND MINDFUL WAYS TO MANAGE NICOTINE CRAVINGS

If you have probably attempted to reduce or give up smoking, you are well aware of how strong nicotine cravings are. They creep up on you when you are stressed or bored. However, you don’t have to rely solely on willpower. Below are some easy and conscious ways of dealing with nicotine cravings.

Understand your cravings

The initial step is to understand that a craving is temporary. It’s not a command. It’s a wave. The majority of cravings take just a few minutes. When one strikes, stop and take several deep breaths. Feel the emotion instead of responding to it instantly.

You can even tell yourself, this will end. Because it will. Breathing mindfully can give a signal to your body that you are safe and in control. In the long run, the practice will condition your brain to be disconnected from the automatic desire to pick up a cigarette.

Move your body

Desires will leave you anxious. But you can divert that energy with:

• A brief stroll
• A brisk stretch
• A few push-ups.

Exercise increases endorphins. These are the feel-good chemicals that nicotine acts upon. It helps naturally decrease the intensity of cravings.

It does not necessarily need to be exercise per se. You can:

• Clean
• Garden
• Dance around.

You just need to redirect your attention from the craving to something that makes you feel alive and active.

Switch up your routine

Habits, habits, habits! They are powerful. Maybe you always smoke a cigarette after a meal. That habit is engraved in your brain. But you can break it. Perhaps switch things up in your day. This way, your brain will no longer associate smoking with certain situations or emotions. With time, those connections are forgotten, and desires no longer hold.

Maybe you’re not ready to quit completely. In that case, try switching to something mild, like Canada Goose Lights. This will help you reduce your nicotine intake mindfully.

Keep your mouth and hands busy

Nicotine dependence can be both a physical habit and a chemical dependence. Get easy alternatives that provide your hands or mouth with something new to occupy them, such as:

• Sipping herbal tea
• Eating crunchy snacks
• Chewing sugar-free gum
• Pressing a stress ball.

Slow sipping with a straw or deep breathing are some mindfulness tools that you can attempt. These relaxation exercises simulate the smoking process. Hence, they bring a feeling of control and relaxation.

Take care of your body

Finally, nicotine cravings also increase when you are tired, dehydrated, or hungry. Stay in balance by:

• Drinking lots of water
• Consuming nutritious foods
• Having sufficient sleep.

Even minimal modifications, such as an early morning smoothie, can reduce stress. As a result, craving frequency and severity will reduce.