How To Have An Enjoyable Holiday Even When You Have Just Quit Smoking

Deciding to quit smoking spells great things for your physical health. However, in the short term, your mental well-being may take a little turn for the worse. Nicotine withdrawal can make you feel irritable, restless, emotional and more hungry than usual – or ‘hangry’, as is more likely to be the case! When you then throw a pre-booked holiday into the mix, your stress levels could shoot up, particularly if you experience jet lag or a common holiday setback.

Fortunately, there’s no need to panic – or give in to your cravings for a cigarette. There are a number of effective tips, tricks and techniques you can use to make your cigarette-free holiday as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, from start to finish. Let’s find out what they are, so you can make sure you’re fully prepared for your well-deserved getaway.

Switch To A Vape Pen

If you’ve only just begun the process of giving up smoking, it may be a good idea to try vaping for a while. Vape pens, such as the diverse assortment of starter kits provided by Grey Haze, allow you to adjust the level of nicotine you take in, so you can slowly but surely reduce your intake over time – and finally quit altogether. Because holidays can be stressful, as well as fun, this kind of regulated approach may prove helpful during the lead-up to your departure, and while you’re away.

That way, any withdrawal symptoms you feel will hopefully be milder, and you may find it easier to cope with your travels. If you’re wondering whether vape pens can be taken on the flight with you, the good news is, yes they can, as long as you store them in your carry-on luggage and follow the airline’s guidance. However, you should also research the local vaping laws at your destination, just to make sure you don’t run into any problems, as some holiday hotspots may have stricter rules than others.

Make Time For Self-Care

Dedicating time out of our busy schedules for some soothing self-care is an activity that many of us tend to neglect. However, if you’ve just quit smoking and you will soon be jetting off on vacation, it’s about time you learned how to nurture yourself a little.

Giving up cigarettes is a major life change that requires will power and determination, and it’s a brave step toward a happier, healthier new you. However, to help you along the way, introducing some pleasurable and relaxing little rituals into your routine can really make a difference.

Of course, what these activities consist of is up to you. Self-care should always be entirely personal, to make sure you get as much out of it as possible. So, whether you love taking a long hot soak while reading a good book, curling up by the fireplace and listening to your favourite podcasts, or kneading out your frustrations while baking a loaf of bread, make sure you do what’s most enjoyable for you.

This self-care can easily be continued while you’re on holiday. After all, what could be a better time to sign up for some relaxing massages or indulge in a spot of retail therapy at a vibrant local market? Making the most of your holiday and experiencing the unique wonders your destination has to offer can help distract you from your hankering for a ciggie, and give you a whole new lease of life.

Nourish Your Body

Experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms from ditching cigarettes can be rather unpleasant, and there may be times when your body and mind protest. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you are well-nourished and hydrated at all times.

Instead of drinking too many cocktails by the poolside on your vacation, and sampling too many greasy local delicacies, you may want to consider loading up on some healthier specialities from your holiday hotspot.

In particular, try and eat as much fresh fruit and veg as you can, and drink plenty of fluids – but not too much caffeine, as this can amplify those nicotine jitters. Nourish your body from within, and you may just find that it makes the quitting process easier, and your vacation even more enjoyable.

Go With The Flow

Even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry, and that includes our holiday arrangements. If something does go wrong while you’re on vacation, it can be tempting to get lost in the stress and long to light up.

At these times, perhaps the best course of action is to take a deep breath and focus on what’s important – such as the reasons why you decided to quit smoking in the first place. Think about how strong you have been to even come this far, and hopefully this will help to put things in perspective.

Focus On Living In The Moment

Mindfulness can be a great help when it comes to managing any holiday stress, not to mention your nicotine cravings. Cultivate the art of taking things as they come, and trying not to worry about what has gone before and what is to come.

Instead, focus on enjoying the experiences you are having in the present moment – a task which should be particularly easy while you’re on holiday – and you may find that you miss smoking less than you’d thought. Similarly, when a craving hits you, try and think of it as a fleeting desire that will soon pass. This may help them to become more manageable and easier to shake off.

Last Thoughts

Quitting smoking and heading off on vacation without a pack of cigarettes to soothe your nerves may feel like a daunting task. However, with the right amount of preparation, some helpful techniques, and the support of your loved ones, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to have a magical holiday.

Yes, the cravings may rear their ugly heads – but you will have the tools on hand to fight them off and get back to enjoying your well-deserved fun in the sun!