How to Soothe the Symptoms From Quitting Smoking

Breaking the addiction of smoking is challenging, as nicotine withdrawal symptoms can cause a relapse in being smoke-free. Curbing the urge to smoke requires diligence, relaxation techniques and alternatives to reduce the stress of withdrawal symptoms. Quitting smoking not only improves the health of your lungs, it is also assists in lowering your cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease caused by constricted blood vessels, according to the American Heart Association.

Things You'll Need

• Nicotine gum
• Nicotine patch
• Vegetables
• Trail mix

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Instructions

• 1

  Exercise to reduce cravings. Thirty minutes of exercise diminishes the cravings associated with quitting smoking, according to the Mayo Clinic. Squats, running in place, jogging, push-ups or climbing stairs counts toward reducing the urge.

• 2

  Join a support group. Online and personal support groups provide a nurturing environment that allows you to talk to like-minded individuals also attempting to kick the habit. Support groups are beneficial as you can help someone else from smoking, and they can provide the same encouragement.

• 3

  Try alternatives. Nicotine gum, patches and lozenges are suitable alternatives to wean you off of smoking cigarettes if quitting cold turkey causes excessive stress. Sugarless gum, vegetables or trail mix are non-nicotine alternatives that satisfies oral cravings commonly associated with nicotine withdrawal.

• 4

  Take up a class. Yoga, meditation and massages all help reduce stress caused by the urge to smoke.

• 5

  Avoid triggers. Triggers are places or people that activates the urge to smoke, such as smoking buddies or bars.