The 6 Es of Coping with Cravings

Often, one of the hardest times not to smoke is when you're meeting or mingling with people for social or business reasons. Even if no one else is smoking -- but especially if someone is -- the desire for a cigarette can come out of nowhere. When it does, use these six strategies to put it out:

1. Extinguish: Ask others not to smoke in your presence.
2. Evade: Change something about the situation. At a meeting or a party, for example, talk to a different person.
3. Eliminate tension: If stress is making you crave a cigarette, subtly do a relaxation exercise or some deep breathing.
4. Exercise: In place of a cigarette, occupy your feet with something that burns calories, such as walking -- in a pinch, excuse yourself and pace a hallway for a few minutes.
5. Explain: If you feel fidgety or awkward in social situations -- or you need encouragement or reinforcement -- tell people that you've quit smoking.
6. Escape: When all else fails, leave the gathering, because quitting smoking is your most important priority.