Many people who use tobacco say they need the break they get from stepping outside to smoke or vape. However, part of why using tobacco products makes you feel relaxed is because they satisfy your addiction to nicotine. There are lots of great ways you can relax without the side effects of addiction that come with tobacco use.

Meditate

• Take a few slow, deep breaths when you feel stressed. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to help your body relax.
• Identify why you are stressed and think about possible solutions.
• Think about things in your life that are going well (e.g., good relationships with loved ones).

Exercise

• Go for a walk outside. It doesn’t need to be a long walk to boost your mood. You can use the time you would typically spend going for a smoke break to take a walk instead.
• Join a pickup basketball, soccer game or another recreational activity you enjoy.
• Hit the gym to lift some weights or do cardio.

Spend Time with Friends

• Make time to catch a movie or watch a game together.
• Do something nice for someone you care about.
• Text or call someone you haven’t heard from in a while.

Start a New Hobby

• Try watching a sport you are not too familiar with.
• Take up whittling, leatherworking, chain mail making or another hobby you can do with your hands and a few basic tools.

Learn Something New

• Read a book or watch a documentary on a topic you don’t know much about.
• Download a language learning app.
• Prepare a meal you’ve never cooked before.

If you’re ready to relax without damaging your health, there are a lot of resources available to help you live a tobacco-free life. You can start by speaking with your healthcare provider or by checking out the tools and resources here.