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Rewarding Yourself
What to Expect
Finishing a hard job or celebrating a special occasion might lead you into wanting to treat yourself with a cigarette. Find out what it is about certain situations that make you feel that you have earned a cigarette. Be on your guard at these critical times.
Frequency
Feelings of wanting to treat yourself with a cigarette may happen along with regular cravings for cigarettes.
Most of these cravings will begin 6-12 hours after you stop, stay strong for 1-3 days, and may last up to 3-4 weeks.
Self-Management
Spoil yourself for a couple of months (e.g. buy a little gift for yourself for every week you don’t smoke, go out to dinner once a week or see a movie).
Think of non-smoking rewards; take time to read a book, listen to a favorite tape or telephone a friend.
Put the money you are saving by not smoking, into a jar everyday. Keep a list of things you want to buy with the money and buy them.
Remind yourself that your real reward will come later—in several extra years of health.
Changes In Your Body and Mind
Nicotine controls your mood by controlling the level of stimulation to key parts of the brain and central nervous system.
When you quit smoking, you may miss the increased stimulation and positive mood that nicotine provided but as a non-smoker you will gain so much more.