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Giving up smoking can be daunting, particularly if you’ve been a smoker for years.

The health benefits of giving up smoking speak for themselves, but finding and maintaining the motivation not to smoke can be a real challenge. 

It can help over the first weeks and months to find something else to replace the habit with as you work to break it. There are many options out there, and you may need to experiment with a few until you find the one that works best. 

Here are some of the best cigarette substitutes to try when giving up smoking. 

Working Out

When a craving hits, it may help to do some exercise to help you get past it. This could be a short five-minute workout at home, a yoga class or a 10-mile run – whatever works best for you. While this may not always be practical, particularly if the cravings hit during work, it can be a great way to take your mind off the craving and take care of your body instead. 

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum and other nicotine replacement items can be a great way to reduce cravings without the dangerous elements of smoking. You could consider using this in the first weeks after quitting, but it is important to note that nicotine products can also be addictive, so you should wean yourself off these products as soon as you feel able. 

Lollipops

If you find yourself wanting something to put in your mouth, then sugar-free lollipops can be an excellent choice. Consider trying out a few different flavours to find the one that you enjoy most and when a craving hits, open a lollipop instead. Many former smokers often say that the habit of having something to put in your mouth can work wonders to helping you stay off the cigarettes.

Water

Every time you’re tempted to have a cigarette, instead, go and pour yourself a fresh glass of water. Being hydrated can help flush out the toxins from smoking, meaning that you will be actively removing some of the addictive elements of smoking while drinking plenty of water. 

Vapes

Vapes are an excellent choice for ex-smokers. You could consider buying a kit to get started. Vaping allows you to choose the level of nicotine you get from the vape, perfect for slowly weaning yourself off a nicotine addiction. You can also get vape liquids in a broad range of flavours to suit any last.  What is important when vaping is ensuring you’re getting from a trusted supplier. There have been plenty of articles about the pitfalls of vaping, but if you purchase from a reputable seller, then you can relax. Pod systems and pod vape kits could be something to consider if you are looking for a substitute to cigarettes.

It may help to get a range of vape liquids to help you decide which ones suit you or get tobacco flavoured liquid to help combat the cigarette cravings.

Regular Gum

Regular gum can work just as well as nicotine gum to help combat cravings and keep you off the cigarettes. They also have the advantage of being completely non-addictive and much easier on your bank balance. Buy yourself a few packs of gum to find the right taste for you. 

Fake Cigarettes

You can buy fake cigarettes that mimic the size and weight of a real cigarette. This can be ideal for those who need something to replace the habit of holding a cigarette with. It is essential to use this one carefully, as for some people, it may only increase the desire to smoke. 

Carrot Or Celery Sticks

Healthy snacks are great alternatives to smoking. You could consider chopping some carrots or celery into sticks to munch on throughout the day when cravings hit. It is important not to substitute one bad habit for another, so avoid snacking on unhealthy things like crisps or chocolate as much as you can. 

Chores

If you’ve got a list of chores to complete around the house, this can be a great way to forget about your cravings. Use up any restless energy in a positive way by making your home look spotless. You could also reorganise book or CD shelves and have a thorough declutter. Decluttering can help your home feel like a calmer, more relaxed environment, perfect for helping you quit for good. 

Conclusion

Giving up smoking can be a challenge, and you may not always be successful. It is essential to give yourself a break when attempting to quit and not set your expectations too high. If you fall off the wagon, pick yourself back up and keep trying. 

Alternatives to cigarettes can be a helpful tool for any smoker. It may take some time to find the alternative that works for you, and it is important not to switch one bad habit for another. You could consider trying a few of the options above to find the one that works best for you. A combination of things to keep your hands, mouth and mind busy can be the best way to succeed. 

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