How to Cope with Any Holiday Once You Become a Non-Smoker

If you’ve recently stop smoking then managing to stay smoke-free is a challenge in the immediate days after, while you get over the craving period.

But it becomes an even greater challenge if those early days after quitting happen during a holiday period or family vacation. These are known stress multipliers as you encounter situations when normally you’d reach for a cigarette to calm the moment.

But now you can’t.

So here are some things you can do to not fall off the smoke-free wagon:

Eat a Healthy Diet
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a few delicious holiday eats but make sure you do not forget to eat a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods. These include lots of fruits and vegetables, proteins and complex carbohydrates.

Drink Your H2O
Not drinking enough water can increase your craving for cigarettes. It can also make you feel tired. Making sure you are well hydrated is necessary for your good health and can also be an excellent way to cope with holiday stress.

Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep at night can cause you to be run-down, unfocused and cranky, not to mention craving cigarettes! Cravings are more difficult to fight and manage when your body and brain are not well rested. If you cannot get as much sleep as you require at night during the holiday then take naps during the daytime.

Get Plenty of Exercise
A craving to smoke is brought on by a stress overload during a vacation. One of the best ways to bust stress is to make sure you get enough exercise. If you are too active to go to a gym then go for a walk. Walking is excellent for stress and it helps to get your blood pumping. When you walk your brain releases “feel good” hormones known as endorphins. Once you return home you should be feeling calmer, more relaxed and refreshed.

Drink Some Tea
One of the best pick-me-ups for holiday stress is a cup of tea. Choose an herbal tea that does not have any caffeine in it. Add a little bit of honey or lemon to your tea for added flavor. Sit back and enjoy your tea and a moment to yourself. Think good thoughts. Tea is good for the system and can help chase stress (and a desire for cigarettes) away!

Keep Your Focus on the Present Moment
It is hard sometimes not too get overwhelmed during a holiday or vacation with all the excitement but you can do your best to remain focused on the here and now in order to keep your stress level to a minimum. Keep active and plan your day with lots to do to keep your mind focused on enjoying the holiday and off of smoking.

Enjoy the holiday weekend or vacation week.

Finally, if you’re “fallen off the wagon” or haven’t managed to quit yet, and interested in more information about Erika’s online or in-office sessions then check out her stop smoking hypnosis programs.

Becca Scott
Staff Writer
Free At Last Hypnosis