Many of us are accustomed to having daily smoking breaks—timesof the day when we would, without fail, grab our packs and ourlighters and head to an open window! Oftentimes we would look toour cigarette breaks as a chance to get away from the stressesof work or just to have a quiet moment to ourselves.

Just because you have given up cigarettes doesn't mean that youcan't enjoy breaks. But now, instead of lighting up, substitutenew, healthier alternatives that will give you a similar senseof calm and relaxation.

Here are some of my favorites:

Meditate

Meditation can be a wonderful way to gain control of your mind,especially when it's racing with thoughts of how much you misssmoking and cigarettes. It's incredibly easy to do and can bedone anywhere, without any equipment except your own body

Simply sit on the floor in any comfortable position (such ascross-legged). Close your eyes. Attune your ears to the soundsaround you, whether it's the noise of the street or the voicesof your office colleagues. Now shift focus so that you arelistening to the sounds of your breath and your own body. At thesame time, concentrate on a mental image that gives you a senseof peace, such as a candle flame, a tree, or cloud. Try to keepyour focus centered for at least 10 minutes at a time.

Listen to Music

Music is such an amazing distraction. It's so easy to get lostin a familiar melody, or to be transported by a new song thatreally speaks to you in some way. In fact, music has an effecton the brain that may be similar to chemical substances—but it'sall totally natural, of course!

A great tip is to substitute daily music breaks for what used tobe your daily smoking breaks. Instead of going outside to puffaway, put on a soothing CD or turn the radio on a channel youlove. You can use your i-Pod if you're at work, or play it outloud if you're at home. The distraction will keep your mind offcigarettes, and the music will give your body its much-neededdose of relaxation.

Go for a Walk

Don't just sit in your office or your living room thinking abouthow much you wish you had a cigarette right now. Instead, get upand put your body in motion. The physical stimulation will startendorphins coursing through your body. If you can take a strolloutside, do so—pay attention to the sounds of the birds, carspassing by, the color of the flowers in bloom, and so on. Thepoint of this exercise is to get yourself "out of your mind,"focusing on external things in order to beat the urge tosmoke.

Develop New Interest

Try developing new interests or hobbies like gardening orpainting. Such things would keep your mind off that urge tosmoke. All of us have a certain measure of creativity that oftenremains untapped. It would be a wonderful thing if you could tryworking on that creativity. Join a dance class or a drama class.Or you could try learning a new skill like pottery or claymodeling. Try to involve yourself with other people. Do samesocial work, or try helping out at the local volunteerorganizations.

Change your lifestyle by changing your routine. Go swimming, tryworking out or going to the gym. Be active. Got something youwanted to do but never had the time to do it? NOW is the time.As you distract yourself by changing your lifestyle anddeveloping new interests, you will be amazed at how easy it isto quit smoking!

Such activities make us appreciate the meaning of life in abetter way and we will stop to think twice before we waste awaythis life at the end of a cigarette.