Change Associations and Triggers

Although nicotine is addictive, the psychological aspects of smoking are often just as strong. Fortunately, they can be managed with some changes in behavior.

According to the British Medical Journal, avoiding common triggers for smoking doubles your chances of staying smoke free. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to spend some time thinking about which of your daily routines you associate with smoking.

For example, if you always smoke on the drive into work, keep a pack of gum in the car and pop a piece in your mouth to curb cravings. If you are used to lighting your first cigarette of the day while making a pot of coffee in the morning, use a coffeemaker that has an automatic timer, so the coffee is already made when you wake. If coffee is too closely associated with cigarettes, whip up a smoothie or pour a glass of vitamin-packed juice instead. It’s better for you anyway.

Changing your routine in these seemingly simple ways will help you avoid situations that trigger a craving.