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Coping with Emotional Triggers
Coping with Emotional TriggersWhen you are stressed, nervous or upset you may feel the need to use tobacco. These emotional situationsare called triggers.Now that you’ve stopped using tobacco, these emotional triggers still happen.To stay quit, it may take work to lessen the impact these emotional triggers have on you.Reminders of your smoking days, like ashtrays, lighters, cigarette packs, or other tobacco products may temptyou to start using tobacco again.Look around your house, car and workplace and get rid of everything that reminds you of tobacco, even thingsyou may have hidden away.Stress and other emotions can be a trigger for many.And quitting smoking is likely to make you feel even more stressed – at least in the beginning.That’s why it’s important to learn healthful ways to relieve stress.“I will pick up the phone and call a mentor, who can help me through a stressful moment. And then, Iget centered again.”Do things you enjoy.Like enjoying time with a friend.Taking a bubble bath . . . or listening to some soothing music.Get regular exercise.Exercise affects your brain in very healthful ways, making you feel good. It can also help reduce cravings.Exercise can be as simple as taking a walk around the block, or doing an outdoor hobby…Exercise helps prevent weight gain, and it’s a great way to relieve stress…Also consider professional help. Hypnosis is a technique that can help you deal with stress. It may help curbcravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms.Acupuncture is another method of stress relief. Some people have found it to lessen withdrawal symptoms andcravings.Many people find meditation an excellent way to relax both mentally and physically. Sit in a quiet place andfocus your mind on a word or phrase. You can also visualize a relaxing scene or a vacation at the beach.“The way that I deal with my stress now, instead of picking up a cigarette, is that I will take a time outand meditate and pray.”This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59491B EN CopingwithEmotionalTriggers.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Coping with Emotional TriggersPrayer is very helpful for some.“A little bit of determination and a lot of prayer, or a lot of prayer and a little bit of determination.Between the two, it's helping.”Finding out how you can cope with the emotions in your daily life is a key part of your ability to stay quit. If youare having trouble finding ways to cope, talk to your healthcare provider.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59491B EN CopingwithEmotionalTriggers.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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Understand the importance in having a support system to help you quit tobacco and to stay quit.
Learn strategies to help you cope as you replace your habits and crave nicotine.
Learn ways to reward yourself in order to keep motivated and encouraged to remain nicotine-free.
Understand the reasons why people use tobacco.
