In this day and age, everyone is well-aware of the ill effects of smoking. However, it can be a hard habit to kick, especially when those cravings kick in! Here are a few ways you can kick back and fight those cigarette cravings when they happen:

• Keep your hands busy

This could mean keeping a pen handy, a stress ball nearby or a rubber band around your wrist that you can twist around your fingers… this will help you kick the urge to hold a cigarette in your hand.

• Just keep chewing

Get something such as peppermint gum or healthy snacks like celery, carrots or nuts. Keeping your mouth busy will keep you from wanting to put a cigarette in it.

• Drink a tall glass of water

Instead of walking to the normal destination you visit for a cigarette, walk to the sink and pour a big glass of water. Then drink it slowly. This will keep your mouth, throat and body engaged in doing something other than reaching for a cigarette.

• Plan for triggers

What was it that normally caused you to smoke? Was it during 15-minute breaks at work? Use those times to go for a short walk around the premises instead. Was it during parties, while driving to work, or relaxing at the end of the day? Make a plan to ensure that these do not lead to a relapse.

• Don’t have “just one.”

It’s really tempting to have a single cigarette just to kill the craving, but this often leads to people picking the habit up all over again.

The American Cancer Association has designated the third Thursday of November as the Great American Smokeout—when smokers finally stop for good. Why not use this entire month to work on kicking the habit? We’re all about helping you stay healthy—so, go to the resource center on our website and find more helpful health tips.