Beating Boredom
Yeah, we know. You use tobacco when you’re bored. So, at those times it can be really hard to quit and stay quit. This might be when you miss smoking the most.
Here are some tips for hanging tough:
- Keep candy, gum, licorice, or lollipops handy to keep your mouth busy and give you a quick kick (everything in moderation, right?). Flavored toothpicks can work, too.
- Get moving. Go for a walk, a run, a swim, play basketball, or take a walk around the building. Just keep moving.
- Have magazines, catalogs, or books with you so you can have something to do during down time.
- Find a hobby to occupy some time, like a puzzle, model airplane kit, Sudoku, or even just some paper and pencils so you can draw or write.
- Call a buddy who’s trying to quit or who has quit and ask for his or her advice.
- Remember that the desire to use tobacco will fade, probably after a week or two. The first few days are the hardest.
- Listen to music or books on a portable audio player; it can help keep your mind off being bored.
- Carry a deck of cards and play alone or with a friend. It’ll help keep your mind distracted.
- Play one of our online games.