Ithaca College

We have all heard the numerous advantages of quitting smoking including the health, financial, and social benefits.  But although we hear it over and over, we cannot rid the fact that smoking cigarettes causes one of every five deaths in the United States every year. 

If you are a smoker looking for ways to help, here is a list of six things you can do instead of smoking:

• Listen to music- relaxing or upbeat tunes, whatever takes your mind away from the thought of smoking.
   
• Exercise to fight addictions and release endorphins to ease the stress and anxiety bottled up in your body.
   
• Take a shower to feel clean and fresh as well as for a calming and soothing distraction.
   
• Chew carrots, celery, radishes, bell pepper slices, and other fresh veggies to beat nicotine cravings and urge you to put something else in your mouth besides a cigarette.
   
• Distract yourself by surrounding yourself with supportive people who will take your mind off of those cravings.
   
• ‘Snap’ away your cravings by wearing a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it if you’re considering giving in.  The sting of the rubber band will distract you and give you a second to remember all of those reasons why you decided to quit.

WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK FROM QUITTING NOW?

To find help with quitting smoking, look for more information on the Work/Life Blog, Mind Body Me Facebook Page and EAP page for tools and resources, such as the following:

• http://www.nysmokefree.com/
• http://smokefree.gov/
• http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/how-to-quit/getting-help/
• http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/tobacco/smoking
• http://www.quit.com/index.html
• http://www.mybalanceworks.com/

Also, find us at The Employee Benefits and Work/Life Fair on Tuesday November 4th from 10am to 3pm in Emerson Suites for some smoke-free games and prizes!!