Today we're going to make an emergency kit you can turn to the next time you have an urge to smoke. It can help you substitute cigarettes with healthier habits.
Why?
They say when Theodore Roosevelt went into battle with his Rough Riders, he kept multiple pairs of glasses nearby at all times — in all parts of his uniform, in his hat, and a few more in his saddlebags. He did it to be sure he was always prepared. What you're going through is a little different, but being prepared to fight off an urge wherever you feel it can be key. And it might mean keeping a few alternatives nearby.
Get a container that's at least big enough for a bottle of water. Maybe a plastic food container, quart size, but anything will do. (You might even want to make more than one Emergency Kit.) Then put together the things you might distract yourself with the next time you feel the urge to smoke.
Here are some things you could pack in your Emergency Kit:
- A small water bottle that you can refill. We recommend drinking 8 cups of water a day in the first few weeks after quitting.
- A pack of sugarless gum.
- Some healthy snacks in a small bag: carrot sticks, celery, or crackers are good choices.
- A small pack of toothpicks or coffee stirrers. Licorice or cinnamon sticks would work, too. You can find any of these at many grocery stores. They're just there to chew on, to keep your mouth occupied.
- A photocopy or picture of your inspiration for quitting. Maybe just somebody's name. Something to remind you why this is important to you.
Then think about where you want to have these Emergency Kits. Maybe one in a backpack or briefcase. Maybe one in your top drawer. Maybe one in the fridge at work. You're the best judge of where these kits will come in handy.
So have fun. Make your kits. Then use them as much as you need to. Having multiple, healthy ways to distract yourself at your fingertips could be exactly what you need.
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