I QUIT!—How Do I Handle It? | OSH | CDC

How Do I Handle It?

Here’s what to do when the Crazies hit.

GROUCHY, NERVOUS: Exercise. Walk the dog. Keep busy.

HEADACHES, DIZZINESS: Take deep breaths. Exercise.

TIRED: Take naps and get plenty of rest.

DRY MOUTH, SORE THROAT: Drink cold water or juice. Chew gum.

THE BLUES: You may get really depressed and feel like crying. These feelings will pass. Until they do, call a friend or someone else who understands.

PIGGING OUT: When people quit smoking, they need something else to do, so they eat. If you don’t want to gain weight, try these things:

• Eat regular meals. Don’t just eat whatever or whenever you feel like it.

• Don’t eat lots of candy and sweet stuff. Try sugarless gum, fresh fruit, popcorn, and vegetable sticks.

• Drink extra water, especially at meals.

• Keep active—take walks, shoot baskets, ride your bike.

The Crazies are a pain, but they only last a little while. And they’re better than dying from something like lung cancer or a heart attack. Even if smoking doesn’t kill you, it’ll probably make you sick with emphysema or other diseases.