Mood changes are common after quitting smoking. You might be irritable, restless, or feel down or blue. If you have these feelings after quitting smoking, there are things you can do to help lift your mood.
Stay active.
Any kind of exercise can help—taking a walk, going to the gym, or joining a team sport are a few you might try. If you need to, start small and build up over time. This can be hard to do when you are feeling down, but making the effort can pay off.
Structure your day.
Create a plan to stay busy. Try to get out of the house whenever you can.
Do things with other people.
Some people who are feeling down are cut off from others. Having regular contact with other people can help your mood. Try to connect with people regularly, whether it’s in person, over the phone, or via text message.
Build rewards into your life.
For many people who are sad, rewards and fun activities are missing from their lives. Finding ways to reward yourself can help lift your mood. Even small things, like reading a magazine or listening to music, can add up and help you feel better.
Do what used to be fun.
One of the common signs of depression is not wanting to do activities that used to be fun. It may be hard, but you might try doing fun activities again to help improve your mood. Try making a list of activities or events that you enjoy and plan to do one a day.
Get support.
You don’t have to deal with negative moods alone. Your friends, family, and others who are important to you can support you. Let them know what they can do to help.
