With the holidays drawing near, this time of year can become quite busy for many of us — whether it be with family engagements, holiday preparations or even with work as we are trying to cover extra shifts while others take vacation.
Emotions can run the gamut throughout the holidays with a mix of both predictable and unpredictable ones ranging from joy, excitement, and happiness, to disappointment, loneliness, sorrow, and even grief.
For some, the holidays mean looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Or it might be a time when we struggle as we dearly miss loved ones we have lost and continue to grieve their absence.
It may even lead to feelings of dread as we know that we will be around certain people that we cannot avoid and who may stir up stress or anxiety for us.
Regardless of what the holidays represent to you, it is important to recognize what types of feelings and situations they may raise for you, and how best to prepare for them.
Preparation is key to success not only in staying tobacco-free but also in progressing on your journey to quit tobacco. It helps you be mindful of what you can handle and what you cannot.
And what exactly does preparation really mean? Sometimes this comes down to setting up a few “ground rules” for the season. Here is a list to get you started. Do any of these resonate with you?
- Avoid gatherings where there may be smoking or vaping.
- Abstain from alcohol, as it may lower inhibitions and trigger tobacco use.
- Share with family and friends about your efforts to quit tobacco, and how it would be helpful if they could refrain from tobacco use when around you this holiday season.
- Use alternative coping mechanisms for stressful situations you anticipate might be difficult to navigate.
- Plan for how to keep yourself occupied if you think you are going to be lonely.
- Be mindful by scheduling some “me” time to relax and unwind, so you are not overcommitting yourself to various holiday events/engagements.
- Ask those close to you to respect your quit plan and refrain from issuing unsolicited advice.
- Ensure you have the necessary tools you may need for your quit plan with you at all times. This may include things like nicotine replacement products and/or behavioral substitutes like hard candy, regular gum, toothpicks, straws, etc.
There are countless ways to prepare. What are some ways you plan to prepare for, and stay on track with your quit plan during this holiday season?
