During our quitting process many of us will find many obstacles along the way. One of the biggest hurdles during the cessation of smoking is trying to block our minds from the physical conditioning of lighting up a cigarette.

If you are one of these smokers that during the initial quitting stages are struggling because you feel the need to physically do something with your hands, then you should substitute the urge with something more positive.

Everytime you feel that you need to light a cigarette because you miss doing something with your hands, you miss the actual physical process of inhaling/exhaling and whenever you feel stressed, then substitute those feelings with the following:

1) Grab a bottle of water

2) Eat healthy snacks

3) Substitute a pen for a cigarette

4) Take a breath of fresh air

5) Meditate on the positives of quitting

6) Remember that you are in control

These are just some examples of how you can overcome the physical urges of smoking during your quitting process. You can think of many ways to overcome the physical conditioning that will best suit you and always remember never give up and keep smiling.