Question:
Nicotinic receptors in our brains cause cravings way beyond our quit
date. They are stimulated by stress. So, beat the stress! Any additions
to the list?
Answer:
AVOIDING STRESS
Get up fifteen minutes earlier.
Prepare for morning the night before.
Never wear ill-fitting clothes.
Set appointments ahead.
Don't rely on your memory.
Practice preventative maintenance. (service your car
regularly).
Make duplicates of all keys.
Rearrange work hours if possible. (drive when traffic is less)
Say "no" more often.
Never shop for clothes with critical teenagers, skinny friends,
or those who look good in everything.
Take advantage of off-hours for banking and shopping.
Rearrange mealtimes. (don't rush to eat at the same time
everyday)
Feed the children separately.
Keep an emergency supply of necessities. (soap, tissue)
Walk everywhere you can.
Make copies of all important papers and keep the originals in
a safe place.
Anticipate your needs. (have coins for tolls, batteries for
toys)
Don't put up with anything that doesn't work properly.
Make advance reservations. (hotels, restaurants)
REDUCING STRESS
Be prepared to wait.
Never arrange a meeting place that has no telephone.
Find humor in every event.
Keep a kit of busy activities to travel with.
Relax your standards. Don't try to be perfect.
Get help with the jobs you hate.
Establish a quiet place of your own.
Change your perspective. Don't worry about everything.
Count your blessings.
Keep time fillers by the phone in case you get put on hold.
Memorize your favorite poems.
Keep a supply of wrapped candy or gum available.
Travel light.
Be prepared for rain.
Ask questions.
Know your body. Are you a morning or night person?
Have back-up plans for everything.
Unclutter your life.
Avoid drugs and alcohol.
