When it comes to quitting smoking, seniors need to be prepared to fight cravings, and staying busy is one of the best ways to avoid lighting up. Fortunately, distraction can be an effective tool in your elderly loved one’s efforts to quit smoking, and Jefferson County, CO, 24-hour care experts have a few ideas to help him or her stay focused on boosting his or her health.
1. Dive into a Creative Art
Keeping the hands busy is important when ending a smoking habit, and doing something creative can help take your loved one’s mind off of his or her cravings. Activities such as painting and sewing can help your loved one relax, and time flies when participating in something enjoyable. Once your loved one finds the right craft, he or she will not want to stop what he or she is doing to go smoke.
2. Phone a Friend
One of the first things your loved one should do when he or she quits smoking is tell friends and family so they can provide support. Talking can help ease your loved one’s anxiety and motivate him or her to keep working on ending the addiction. It is also helpful to invite nonsmoking friends over to visit because having them around can make it uncomfortable to smoke.
3. Indulge in Some Pampering
If your loved one is working hard at quitting smoking, suggest the reward of a pampering session. A manicure is a good idea because wet nails do not go together well with smoking. Alternatively, your loved one can enjoy a massage or a long bath at home. Doing something nice sends a message to the brain that quitting smoking is rewarding.
4. Visit an Indoor Community Venue
Today, most public spaces do not allow smoking, especially indoor venues. Encourage your loved one to go see a movie or walk through the mall. Being somewhere for a few hours where smoking is not allowed can help curb your loved one’s cravings.
5. Do a Set of Exercises
The average urge to smoke passes in only a few minutes, so your loved one should have a plan for when the cravings strike. He or she can do a few chair exercises or just walk around your house for a few minutes. Staying active allows the craving to pass, and your loved one can boost his or her health at the same time.
Quitting smoking is a major step toward leading a healthier lifestyle. However, there are plenty of other measures your loved one can take to remain healthy. At Home Care Assistance, we offer a program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. For more information on the in-home care Jefferson County seniors trust, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers today at (303) 987-5992.