Thanksgiving Stress and Smoking

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time of year for most people. Making arrangements and travel accommodations, preparing food, and driving after drinking are just a few additional stresses that come with Thanksgiving on top of the normal everyday life stresses. For those of us who are working to quit smoking, Thanksgiving stress can be especially challenging. Use these 5 tips to help you manage a stress and smoke-free holiday:

1) Get Enough Rest

When we’re tired and run down, cravings to smoke will seem stronger while we feel less able to manage them. Get enough sleep at night, and take a power nap during the day if you can.

2) Reduce Caffeine

Many of us reach for a cup of coffee when we need an energy boost, but too much caffeine can leave us feeling jittery and stressed. Avoid extra cups of coffee to stay awake. Rest if you’re tired.

3) Drink Water

Not only is water a great craving-buster, it’s an essential ingredient in a healthy diet. Keep yourself well-hydrated and you’ll feel better in general, which will in turn help you manage holiday stress more easily.

4) Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Enjoy holiday treats, but be sure to give your body the fuel it needs to function properly. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein and complex carbohydrates will help keep you at your best, both physically and mentally.

5) Go For a Walk

Walking reduces stress and improves circulation. It also releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormone. So, when the urge to smoke strikes, head out for a quick walk around the block. You’ll come back refreshed and relaxed. If the weather is bad, use the treadmill or take a walk at an indoor mall.

But finally, don’t forget support! Seabrook is here to support you during this stressful season. We offer pharmacological treatment combined with behavioral treatment, including psychological support and skills training to overcome high-risk situations to help those addicted to nicotine. Seabrook employs highly credentialed professionals in the addiction field, whose specialties encompass every area of medical, clinical, psychological and spiritual treatment of the disease of addiction. Programs are designed to cater to the specific needs of each individual patient, so if you need help with your nicotine addiction, Seabrook will work with you and your unique situation in order to achieve a successful recovery!