Part 4: Taking Off

Keep What is Truly Calming

Removing tobacco/nicotine doesn’t mean your entire strategy for managing stress has to go away. Many things you are doing ARE healthy and genuinely calming to your body and mind.

 

Reasons why you may feel calmer after taking a smoke break at work:

•  Getting away from your work area

•  Getting away from the people that you work with (that may be contributing to your stress)

•  Fresh air/being outside

•  Movement—walking from place to place or pacing around outside

•  Deep breathing as you inhale

•  Looking off into the distance, versus looking at something right in front of you or at a screen

•  Talking to co-workers outside of the office (maybe even venting a bit!)

•  More open space, especially if you work in a crowded, noisy environment

 

Why else do you feel taking a smoke break is calming for you?

 

Modified smoke break strategy ideas:

•  Plan to step away from your work for 5-10 minutes.

•  Walk to a drinking fountain or bathroom far away from your desk to get in extra movement.

 

How can you practice taking a tobacco-free break today or tomorrow?

Relaxation Reflex

Mental Imagery

Deep Natural Breathing

Spend Time with Animals

Cutting Back

Practice Change

Action Planning

Recovery Signals

Review & Prepare

RELATED ARTICLES

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