Try one of these simple exercises if you have a craving instead of reaching for a cigarette or replace your smoking break with one.
Relaxing sigh
Sit up or stand up straight and let a deep sigh of relief leave your body. Let the air come back into your lungs naturally – don’t rush it and feel the relaxation seeping into your body. Repeat this exercise 4 or 5 times whenever you feel the need.
Calming breath
Sit comfortably in a chair with both feet flat on the floor and your hands resting lightly in your lap. Close your eyes, letting a deep sigh leave your body. If you find it difficult to let your eyes relax and close, spend a few moments looking as high up as you can without tilting your chin until your eyes just want to close.
Focus on your breathing and notice how it begins to slow and relax. Say to your self with every breath you take in ‘I am breathing in calm and peace’. When you breathe out, say ‘I am breathing out all the stress and tension.’ Do this several times until you feel calmer.
5 minute relaxation
Sit comfortably in a chair with both feet flat on the floor and your hands resting lightly in your lap. Close your eyes and breathe gently in and out for a few moments. Cross your ankles. If you’re right handed, put your right foot over your left. If you’re left handed, put your left foot over your right. Do the same with your hands, crossing one over the other, putting your palms together and interlacing your fingers.
Focus on your breathing and sit in this way until you feel calmer. Then uncross your feet and put them flat on the floor. Uncross your hands and put them in your lap with the palms pointing upwards. Focus on your breathing for another 60 seconds.
Thanks to QUIT and Shelley Mason for these relaxation techniques.