For the first few days after you quit smoking, you may feel cranky, restless, depressed, or low on energy. These are symptoms of withdrawal. Your body needs time to recover from smoking. Your symptoms should lessen within a few days.

Coping with the urge to smoke

• Deep-breathe. Inhale through your nose. Count to five. Slowly exhale through your mouth.
• Drink water. Try to drink eight or more 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
• Keep your hands busy. Wash your car. Draw. Do a puzzle. Build a birdhouse.
• Delay. The urge to smoke lasts only 3 to 5 minutes.

Get support

Individual, group, and telephone counseling can help keep you on track. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about resources available to you.

Control stress

After you quit, you may feel irritable and stressed. Try taking a warm bath or shower. Listen to music. Try yoga or meditate. Call friends or talk with a professional.

Exercise

Exercise helps your body and mind feel better. There are many ways to be more active. Find something you enjoy doing. See if a friend will join you for a walk or a bike ride.

Sleep better

You may feel tired but have trouble falling asleep. Try to relax before bed. Do a few stretching exercises. Read for a while. Also, avoid caffeine for at least a few hours before bedtime.

Get fit, not fat

You may notice an increased appetite. Many people who quit smoking gain a few pounds. To limit weight gain, try to watch what you eat. Cut back on fat in your diet. Snack on low-calorie foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink low-calorie liquids, especially water. Regular exercise can also help you stay fit. And remember: Your main goal is to be a nonsmoker. Stay focused on that goal.

Quit-smoking products

There are a number of products that can help you quit smoking including medications and nicotine replacement products. They are available over the counter or by prescription. Ask your healthcare provider if any of these could help you quit smoking.

During the month of November, our Sarah Bush Lincoln Tobacco Cessation team is entering anyone who signs up for the January 2015 Freedom From Smoking program or makes an appointment with a counselor to talk about a tobacco quit plan in a drawing for a free turkey!

Freedom From Smoking classes are offered at 7:30 am, noon and 6:00 pm on Wednesdays begin January 6. Classes are 8 sessions over a 7-week period.