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1. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   20 Sep 2018

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   Hi All,
   
   When planning a quit attempt it can sometimes help to try to pinpoint what sets off a craving. Elsewhere on SHL.ca, in the Preparing to Quit section, there's a page where you can list triggers as well as how you plan to cope with each. 
   
   Though everyone is different, in general triggers can be habitual (after a meal, with coffee, starting the car for instance), emotional (stress, boredom, feeling upset or happy for instance), physical (craving nicotine, patch), and sometimes environmental (being around smokers, sitting in that same chair that you've smoked in for years, etc.). 
   
   Thinking about this, if you've been able to pinpoint one, tell us what your craving is and how do you distract from it?   
   
   People have shared this common one with us:  
   
   Craving- Stress, Distraction- Deep Breathing
   
   
   Marianne
   
   

   Last modified on 20 Sep 2018 13:45 by marianne, quit coach
2. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   20 Sep 2018

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   Hi Marianne
   
   For me, is Various moments, situations, when I have the relax time, I get busy in something relaxing, shower helps a lot.
   
   In the Morning I crave the most,Shower helps me a lot to get rid of that moment.
   After meals, I eat Carrots, and get rid of the crave.
   
   Now I am focus in better options only. It helps me to cop more and build more confidence.
   
   My inhaler always with me, and some candy
   
   As far not even a puff!
   
   I can not believe that I quit for good!
   
3. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   21 Sep 2018

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   I have cravings when i am stressed. I try to deep breath or tapp
   I have cravings when my family upsets me. I gobto my own room where they wont bother me
   I have cravings when i am bored i try to do somethibg like paint or knit
4. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   21 Sep 2018

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   Hello All,
   
   Brieffree- Morning cravings are known to be strong and having that shower is an ideal way to start your day to combat them.  After meals can be another challenging time and snacking on carrots is such a good strategy.  Along with the inhaler and some candy, you are very well equipped to cope with your cravings.  All your hard work of planning for your quit has brought you to this smoke-free life- believe it,you did it, congrats to you!  
   
   Chartippbum- Stress is such a common time to crave and poses a strong trigger for many.  Deep breathing slows us down not only to calm our physical symptoms but with our thought process too.   Great that this is your "go-to" strategy.  Likewise, finding your happy place in your own room no doubt will help ground you.  And with boredom, having something you enjoy like painting and knitting takes the edge off for sure.  
   
   Thank you for both for sharing.  It really helps to highlight what you do to cope with cravings so that you are never caught off guard without any options on hand.  Hopefully others will also get some ideas for themselves by hearing them from you.  
   
   Keep sharing any more that you have.  
   
   Marianne
   
   
   
5. brendahache

   

   10 posts
   Registered:
   28 Aug 2018
   24 Sep 2018

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   For me a strong trigger is sitting in my gazebo in the morning with a coffee. 
   
   I bring my nicotine spray with me.