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Unfortunately, quitting smoking is hard work. There’s no magic formula that will make the process easy. Start off by arming yourself with information about the dangers of smoking, decide whether you’re going to quit smoking gradually or go cold turkey, and then do it. To get you through the first few weeks, when your craving for a cigarette will be at its strongest, try some (or all) of the following tips.

Chew mints

Take full advantage of your newly fresh and smoke-free breath by chewing on mints. Peppermint will make your mouth feel cool and clean, which will make your brain think you don’t feel like a cigarette. Keep mints handy at all times, for when cravings strike. Make sure you have a stash in your car, in your handbag, and around the house.

Drink water

According to addiction specialists, the craving for a cigarette only lasts 15 seconds. When you find yourself wanting to reach for a smoke, reach for a glass of water instead. By the time you’ve finished the glass of water, the craving should have subsided.

Chew gum

Experts say that chewing gum really works when you’re quitting smoking, so it’s worth a try. Just like mints do, the flavour of the gum keeps your mouth fresh. Chewing something also keeps your mouth busy, giving it something to do where it once would have been smoking. You might opt for nicotine gum, but it’s been found that any mint-flavoured gum will work.

Eat red grapes

Chewing grapes, like chewing gum, will keep your mouth busy. But grapes contain antioxidants that can help relieve cravings, too.

Mark off the days

Experts say it takes 21 days to build a habit, and it takes the same amount of time to break one. So, if you can manage three weeks without smoking, chances are being a non-smoker will start getting much easier. The first few days are the hardest, so to keep yourself motivated try marking off every smoke-free day on a calendar. Seeing the days add up will help keep you motivated.

If you’re serious about quitting smoking, the NHS has a range of resources to help you quit for good.

Tags: Cravings, Smoking