If you’re working in a stressful workplace, you might have fallen into a situation where all your co-workers take a few breaks here and there to have a quick smoke. This is because smoking has been around for ages now and is used as a tool for immediate stress relief and the dopamine hit for smokers, and it doesn’t take much time, unlike eating or drinking a cup of coffee in which 10-15 minutes break won’t be enough.
In this blog, we’ll be talking about some alternative things you can do if you’re having a hard time resisting the urge to join others while smoking. Whether you’re in the middle of trying to quit smoking or haven’t tried one before, it’s wise to stay away from these situations.
Why is Social Smoking Not Good?
Whether you’re the one who’s smoking the cigarette or just a second-hand smoker, you’ll still increase your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other ailments related to smoking. Socializing is essential; however, you should also take precautions and be responsible for what’s good for your health and what isn’t.
Tips to Avoid Social Smoking
People who are trying to quit combustible cigarettes have a more challenging time resisting the urge to social smoke, and it’ll also make it harder for them to stick to their plan to quit. Here are some alternative ways or tips to avoid social smoking temptation.
Take a Quick Read
Reading is one of the best ways to stimulate your brain, whether you’re into fiction or non-fiction books. Running through a few pages from your current chapter would be greater use of your few time on breaks instead of social smoking.
Grab a Bite
Heading outside and grabbing some food to eat during your breaks also keeps you occupied and enjoy your short breaks without having to join others while smoking. Plus, it keeps you energized for the whole workday.
Call Someone
Making quick phone calls during a smoke break is another excellent tip that effectively fights your urge to join them. Call a friend that knows your situation, and they might help you be accountable as well.
Let Your Co-workers Know
Letting your co-workers know is probably the best way to avoid it so they’ll be more considerate that you’re trying to quit smoking. Who knows, they might decide to join you as well.
Vape Somewhere Else
Since vaping has been the most effective cessation tool for smoking cigarettes, it would be ideal to use it for these tempting situations. Using vape is a safer option to curb your nicotine cravings and is even healthier than second-hand smoking.
Takeaways
Keep in mind that missing out on a few social situations is normal, especially when you’re trying to quit the habit of smoking. There are many healthy other ways to socialize, and you have to be okay missing out on some, especially on smoking breaks at your workplace. It’s essential to keep yourself occupied so you won’t have to resist temptation and have trouble fighting the urge to smoke.
