If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.

Story #4: “I can’t shake the urge to use tobacco in the morning.”

Story #4: Every morning I used to wake up, wash my face, eat breakfast and smoke a cigarette or two before heading out for duty. It’s something I looked forward to at the start of my day. Now that I quit, I’m sluggish in the morning. What can I do instead to start my day right?

 

Plan:

  • Remember why you quit. When you wake up, read your list of reasons why you quit tobacco in the first place.
  • Revamp your morning. Brainstorm new ways to revamp your morning [PDF 253KB] and keep each day fresh with a different activity to look forward to. Some examples may be:
    • Write in a journal
    • Meditate or do stretches
    • Go for a walk
    • Crush a quick workout
    • Try new types of coffee or tea
    • Text with a buddy
  • Retrain your brain. You can always help ease a craving by mimicking the act of smoking with a straw or if you used smokeless tobacco, have some sugar-free hard candy.
  • Keep busy with these new activities. You will find that the cravings decrease as time goes on. And remember to reward yourself with a non-tobacco treat every so often—you’ve earned it!

 

 

 



If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.