Five Ways to Occupy Your Hands When Quitting Smoking
One of the most challenging parts of quitting smoking isn't just the nicotine withdrawal, it's figuring out what to do with your hands. Smoking often becomes a deeply ingrained habit which is tied into moments of boredom, stress, or social interaction.
When that physical motion is suddenly gone, you may find yourself fidgeting or reaching for a cigarette out of reflex rather than craving. The good news is that keeping your hands busy can help to retrain your brain and body to break those old associations. We've got five ways that you can do just that.
Try a safer alternative. In those early stages of quitting, it can very much help to find a temporary substitute that mimics the hand to mouth action without the harmful effects of cigarettes. Prefilled vape kits are one option that many users are stepping stone while they try to quit. They offer a more controlled and potentially less harmful way to manage cravings and keep their hands occupied.This is especially important during high trigger moments like driving or socialising. It's not a forever solution, but it can serve as a transitional tool for those looking to gradually ease off nicotine.
Keep a fidget toy nearby. Sometimes your hands just need something to do, so stress balls or fidget toys can even make a big difference to you. They offer that physical outlet that you might be looking for that replaces the habitual motion of holding a cigarette. These tools are especially helpful during moments of stress or boredom, times when you may have previously lit up without thinking. The good part is that they're also very discreet and portable, so you can take them to work in the car or anywhere temptation strikes.
Start doodling. You don't have to be an artist to benefit from putting pen to paper. Keeping a notebook handy to doodle, sketch, or even jot down your thoughts can be a great way to redirect nervous energy. This gives your hand something to do while you're also calming your mind. In time, you might even discover a creative side that you didn't know you had, and that can be way more rewarding than smoking ever was.
Find a new hobby. This is your opportunity to learn something new and something that involves your hands. Knitting, woodworking, painting, or even doing puzzles can be surprisingly therapeutic. Not only will these activities keep your hands occupied, but they can help you to stay focused in the moment. It's hard to think about cigarettes when you're fully immersed in building, creating or solving something.
Keep the snacks handy. Snacking can become a go to hand activity for ex smokers, but the trick is to keep it healthy so you don't gain weight. Opt for carrot sticks, celery, sunflower seeds or even sugar free gum. These little items mimic the oral fixation many people miss without loading up on sugar or calories.
