Meditation, on your own or guided meditation can alter your state of mind and make you change thought patterns and feelings. Deep relaxation and a focusing of the awareness in directions that are beneficial can help you break the habit of smoking.

Mindfulness meditation may help smokers quit – even those with no willpower. Behavioral training such as mindfulness meditation may be effective at enhancing self-control toward quitting smoking – even for people who have no desire to give up, say experts.

Many people who quit smoking find meditation helps them cope with cravings and work through stress and depression. Mindful meditation is one more way to help you manage withdrawal.

Using Mindfulness in Your Quit Journey

Being mindful can help you get past a craving. If a craving hits, try to:

• Stop, take a breath, and notice what’s going on right now. How does your body feel? What thoughts are you having? Notice what is happening and take in the experience.
• Imagine your craving like an ocean wave. It might feel like it gets bigger and bigger. But eventually, it will become smaller and less intense, just like a wave.
• Recognize the physical feelings in your body that mean you’re becoming stressed. Take a moment to step away from what you’re doing and notice your breathing.
• Take a walk outdoors. Walk slowly and really focus on being there. Notice what you see, hear, and smell.
• Involve yourself fully in something you enjoy, like a hobby. You’ll get positive effects from keeping your brain busy and having something else to think about instead of the craving.
• Take a journey in your mind. Think of yourself at the beach or in a garden or the mountains…anywhere you want. Close your eyes and think about what it would feel like to be there right now. Enjoy all the little things in this beautiful place. Focusing on something else can help you get through your craving easier.