Many attempts to quit either smoking or alcohol are destined to travel along rocky roads in part because we don’t think to replace our previous smoking and drinking habits with other activities that will assist us in diverting our focus from what we are trying to stop doing.

Instead we remain relatively inactive during the times when we would have been otherwise engaged in the habits we are trying to quit. That is, we sit stewing in our own sweat, struggling as our minds revolve around thoughts of how much we miss/want/need what we are trying to give up.

This behavior contributes to our chances of finally cracking under the pressure of our minds worming around justifying why it would be ok to have just one more smoke or drink.

There is however a tool that assists us in combating our mind at its own game and that tool is simply a process of diverting its attention. The theory here being that if we can engage our minds in some other activity or pursuit, it will have much less time to focus on what we don’t want it to.

How do we engage our minds?

We already know the answer to that. Do you recall situations where you were so caught up in something that before you knew it, it was really late? The time just seemed to have flown by? It was probably something that you enjoyed a great deal, something that you are very passionate about, something that was pleasurable. Such things serve as great ways to engage our minds and get them almost completely distracted. Before you know it you’ll have gone several hours without even thinking about a smoke or a drink.

But such activities are not always accessible. That doesn’t mean that we need to despair the rest of time. There are a whole slew of things we can do that are available to each and every one of us. Think about your interests, your hobbies, sports, work and other activities. Remember those things that you like to do, and do them. Think of new things that you would like to try and do them.

Below is a, by no means exhaustive, list of examples to get your mind thinking about some activities and interests that you can pursue instead of sitting around biting your nails hoping that the cravings will go away.

• Involve yourself in a sport such as football, hockey, soccer, ten-pin bowling, racquetball, tennis, etc.
• Take up hobbies such as gardening, jewelry making, knitting, woodworking, collecting, etc.
• Work on your artistic talents such as drawing, painting, photography, music, etc.
• Play board games, card games, and computer games.
• Read books that you’ve really enjoyed in the past or new ones that really interest you.
• Exercise. Get on a treadmill. Go for a walk, jog or ride around your neighborhood or the local park. Go to the gym. Beat the life out of a punching bag.
• Watch your all time favorite movies, or go out and watch new ones that grab your attention.
• Go out with friends and family and do things together (but be sure to avoid those that will want to smoke or drink).
• Write the next great American novel.
• Work around your house fixing all those little problems that you’ve been putting off.
• Immerse yourself in work.

That’s just a sample to get you thinking about things that you could be doing. You know yourself better than anyone else, and you know what you enjoy or are likely to enjoy. So stop sitting there. Think of some things to do and go do them. Not only will it help keep your mind off smoking and drinking, by the very fact that you are doing something you enjoy, you’ll also become a more interesting person and you’ll start enjoying life again.