Sometimes it can really help, when you are giving up smoking, to replace it with something else. Some people choose things like electronic cigarettes to replace both the nicotine and the sensation of smoking. Others prefer to replace the nicotine with a patch, gum or lozenge and do not replace the sensation with anything.

Some people find that they need something to do with their hands once they give up smoking. Doing a craft activity could help like sewing, knitting or drawing perhaps. You may find that playing computer games or typing on a keyboard could help. It will take time to find something that works for you, if you feel that something is missing.

When you have completed a meal, you may normally go out for a smoke and you may miss it. This is not unusual but it is wise to find something to replace that with. Maybe go for a walk instead, suck a mint or wash up. There are quite a few things that you could try.

The comfort from a cigarette is something that can be hard to replace. You could try having a cup of tea or coffee, although if you normally had one with a cigarette, then this could make things worse. You might find comfort from eating a square of chocolate, but be careful not to form another habit! It might be better to look to watching your favourite TV show, playing your favourite game, having a chat with a friend or going for a run for comfort as these would be healthier options.

You do not need to replace smoking with anything of course and you will get used to managing without it. However, you do need to think about how you will manage while you are adjusting to not smoking and whether you will need to think of coping mechanisms to get you through the difficult times.

It can even be worth thinking about this before you quit, because you may just cave in to temptation if your cravings get too big otherwise. If you have something to do, to take your mind off them, you will have more chance of resisting.