How to Deal With Cold Turkey Cravings

Are there any easy ways to quit smoking at all? Certainty there are many ways to break the smoking habit, but none of them are truly easy. One of the most effective ways to quit smoking is to stop smoking completely without any type of drug or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This way is commonly known as cold turkey.

The cold turkey method is not fast or easy. Smoking is a physical and emotional addiction that's as strong - if not stronger - than any other drug addiction. Al smokers, who ever tried to break the habit, know how difficult it can be to quit. For every one, who is going to quit smoking, one of your biggest challenges will be cravings. They can strike at any time, they are expected, but it is still hard to resist. After you get through your first day, the withdrawals start.

The intensity of the withdrawals depends on how much nicotine you normally intake. Withdraws include, but are not limited to: irritability, nausea, shakes, and insomnia. If you used a large amount of nicotine a day, you should expect to feel intense withdrawals and be pretty much useless for the first few days. Whenever a craving strikes, try one of these tips:

Relax: If you feel a craving, find a quiet place to sit. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing so it becomes deep and rhythmic. Relax your body as much as possible. Just ten minutes of relaxation may be all it takes to get rid of your craving.

Exercise: Create natural, feel good endorphins that give us a rush of pleasure with exercise. Next time you feel a craving, immediately head outside for a walk. Try to do some simple breathing exercise. Exercise helps get energy and beat that craving for a smoke.

Get Support: Get help of a support network, whether it's friends, family, co-workers or an online message forum. When you feel the urge to smoke, call or chat with someone in your support network. Just getting support from your loved ones can remind you why you chose to quit smoking in the first place. Ask your friends and family to support you.

Educate yourself: Go online, visit the library or access your own resources to read about nicotine addiction. Stay focused on your desire to quit smoking. If you feel a craving strike, start rereading all your quitting resources.

Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult challenges you ever try to accept. But with knowledge and willpower - plus a little creativity - you can fight the cravings and be on your way to a smoke-free life!