How to Stop Smoking Withdrawals

When you decide to quit smoking, you're doing a good thing for your long-term health. However, dealing with the withdrawal symptoms isn't always easy. Smoking withdrawals can become serious and often painful, both emotionally and physically. Make sure you have a close, supportive network of friends and family to help you get past smoking withdrawals. Knowing how to decrease or stop withdrawal symptoms is an important aspect of the quitting process.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a daily walk to ease dizziness. Because your body is getting more oxygen than it's used to, you may feel dizzy periodically during the day or when standing or moving too quickly. Move slowly, and allow yourself a brief period of rest when you feel dizzy.

• 2

  Change your diet to help with symptoms of constipation. Drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day, and incorporate foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. These types of foods will ease the symptoms of constipation. Taking a 20-minute walk each day can also help.

• 3

  Keep yourself busy. As a smoker, you're used to having something to do with your hands, and you're used to having an activity to perform throughout the day. Boredom is a common symptom of many quitters. Take up a new hobby that involves your hands, such as knitting or cooking. Be sure the activity is a solitary one, so you can perform it whenever you have a craving.

• 4

  Sleep at least seven or eight hours a night, and talk with your doctor about starting an exercise program. Lots of rest and light exercise will decrease the fatigue you'll feel after you quit smoking. Try to exercise in the morning, shortly after waking up. This will help keep your energy levels high all day. If you feel tired in the afternoon or early evening, take a short nap.

• 5

  Cut back on caffeinated beverages, such as colas and coffee drinks, in order to reduce the symptoms of a headache. You should also try relaxation techniques and meditating, as well as increasing your level of physical activity. Some people find that taking a long, hot shower can also help relieve a headache. Talk with your doctor if a headache is persistent or becomes progressively worse.

• 6

  Make sure you always have healthy snacks available. After you quit smoking, you may feel the need to eat more often to replace the oral stimulation received by cigarette smoking. Drink water or juice, and eat snacks like raw vegetables or whole grain toast. You can also try chewing gum or sucking on a mint.

• 7

  Practice deep breathing and exercise regularly to decrease irritability. Cutting back on caffeine consumption and chewing nicotine gum can also help you relax.

• 8

  Decrease tightness in your chest by practicing deep breathing and adding time for relaxation to your daily routine. Meditation can also reduce chest pain. If chest pain lasts longer than a few days, seek medical attention immediately.

• 9

  Drink water, juice, or tea to reduce coughing. Cough drops or sucking on hard candy can also help relieve this symptom. Dry throat, dry mouth, and nasal drip are also common symptoms among quitters. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to help alleviate these symptoms.

• 10

  Let out your emotions. Don't keep feelings of anger, frustration, depression or despair to yourself. Confide in a close friend or family member. Discuss your emotions, and let out your frustrations. Take a walk to relax or practice deep breathing. You may also experience an inability to concentrate. Keep yourself busy and avoid activities that will increase your cravings. Let those close to you know how you're feeling and what you're going through. It will be easier for everyone in the long run if you don't keep your emotions to yourself.

• 11

  Call a friend, or go for a drive or walk if you can't sleep. Don't rely on smoking to help you relax before bedtime. Practice relaxation techniques, and avoid stressful activities and caffeine during the day and especially before bedtime.