Smoking: Worst. Habit. Ever.

I continue what is sure to be a life-long battle to dodge smoking. I read this interesting NY Times article about how we can actually break bad habits AND grow brand new brain cells by trying new things and making them new habits. Read more at "Can You Become a Creature of New Habits?" Very cool piece.

This made me think about yet another commercial from the folks at Become An Ex. It's a great, short message: "re-learn life without cigarettes." The website is cool. The advice is good. It's also a little more adult and a little less obnoxious than the Truth, which I respect, but can't help be annoyed with from time to time.

"Quitting cold turkey" is not a plan. It's vague and doesn't provide any guidance. A couple of actions that I take when that dang craving comes around:

• Do yoga, go for a walk, jog or bike
• Play with my BlackBerry (note: very effective, but equally addictive.)
• Chew gum, cinnamon.
• Sit and write: a much better use of the hands
• Grab a book and read
• Get on Google Reader and read
• Chores
• Guzzle water
• Crosswords
• Twirling pencil/pen while driving (note: also effective, slightly dangerous)

Things I've considered, but haven't gotten to them yet:

• Cross Stitch
• Play the piano
• Create a website (well, another one.)

These are actions that can be taken to get closer to the goal of not smoking. Quitting is very difficult, but it's so important.