Breathing Exercise (1).... Quick exercise that can be done anywhere and is easy to learn

[EmJay]

Cravings lead to irritation and sometimes panic, causing the quitter’s mind to speed up. When this occurs, concentrating becomes hard. Using a deep breathing exercise is an effective way of calming yourself down.

This exercise can be done anywhere from sitting down in a chair to waiting for a bus. Follow the simple stages described below;

With your mouth closed and shoulders relaxed, inhale deeply and slowly to the count of eight.

As you breathe in, push your stomach out.

Hold your breath for the count of four.

Breathe out slowly to the count of eight.

Repeat the cycle five times

DO NOT OVER DO IT – STOP IF YOU FEEL DIZZY

[Kazzachoc 2 YEAR WINNER]

Thanks EmJay, I've just done that and it does help. I was getting quite irritated and grumpy before but I was fine after my bit of exercise earlier, it really does help so what with that and the breathing exercises, I am sure I can get through my cravings. I am trying to work out why I'm worse in the afternoons, maybe it's because I've had my lunch and I would have a ciggie after lunch hmmm.

[EmJay Partner]

The best thing that you can do then, rather than be filled with dread in the afternoons is to really look forward to feeling this way and knowing that the more times you overcome these feelings, the easier it will become for you over time.

There has to be a positive in everything that happens to us, no matter how negative it seems at the time.

You will become stronger each time, I promise

[Kazzachoc 2 YEAR WINNER]

Thanks EmJay, I will give it a try.