Oh boy!

Cravings are much the same - the more you give in to them (and they can seem very convincing), the more they come back, again and again and again... If you can just ride them out, they do pass and they do go away.Expect to feel cravings - sudden, powerful urges to light up again.
But however strong these urges feel, you can be even stronger, facing them head-on
In fact, just about anything your brain associates with smoking - an object, an emotion, stress or anxiety - can suddenly set off a strong desire to light a cigarette
Cravings are tough but also very quick. A craving will usually last three to five minutes, and then pass, whether or not you light up.In order to successfully quit, you'll have to be ready to beat those cravings five minutes at a time.
Whenever your brain gets a cue that it's time to smoke, it will call out for a cigarette.
It will take more than just the smell of smoke or a bit of stress to make you want to light up.
Try to recognise cravings for what they are: a trick from a particularly mischievous part of the brain. When a craving comes on, you can then translate it. Tell yourself: "Ah, this is a craving," and then get ready to congratulate yourself for making it through.
You'll need to be ready to take action. Anything you can do to distract yourself for those few minutes can make all the difference between success and a relapse. You probably won't be thinking too clearly when that craving arrives, so be sure to plan ahead.
You'll need to be ready to take action. Anything you can do to distract yourself for those few minutes can make all the difference between success and a relapse. You probably won't be thinking too clearly when that craving arrives, so be sure to plan ahead.

Emotional Freedom Technique

Work out what you are afraid of in order to stop once and for good.

Time, loneliness, consciousness, stress

Repeating the following statement(s) out loud
focus on a craving, it is best just to wait until you get a craving
isolate where the pain is coming from, maybe it is in your chest or stomach?
Once you've located the pain start tapping and saying the appropriate affirmation from the list below


  • "Even though I have this craving feeling in my chest making it tight when I think about wanting to smoke, I deeply and completely accept myself"

  • "Even though I have this churning feeling in my belly that won't go away unless I smoke, I totally love and accept myself with or without a joint"

  • "Even though I have this urge deep inside my stomach to smoke, I love and respect myself anyway"

  • "Even though my palms become clammy when I think about needing to smoke, I deeply and completely accept and forgive myself"
    EFT Tapping

    You should tap on the following places of your body at least ten times before moving onto the next position. Remember to say your statement out loud whilst tapping, repeating it to yourself as you move through the various tapping locations.

    Tap in the following order:
  • Karate Chop,
  • Top of Head,
  • Eyebrow,
  • Side of Eye,
  • Under Eye,
  • Under Nose,
  • Chin,
  • Collarbone,
  • Under Arm and then back to
  • Top of Head.

Distraction from negative thoughts,

1. Get to the root of itAnxiety, loneliness and stress are all emotional triggers that can set off cravings. If you identify your triggers - such as work-related stress - you can deal with the emotions that make you want to binge
3. Distract yourselfNext time you feel a craving coming on, immerse yourself in an activity. Anything that keeps you busy - a quick workout, running to the supermarket or tending the garden - can help curb the urge to splurge

4. Schedule cravings into your day
If you know that most of your cravings strike in the afternoon, if necessary, change your routine during the time you tend to get cravings. For example, if late afternoon is your 'danger zone', make a date with a friend or go for a workout

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