I'm trying to quit smoking, but it's hard because I feel so anxious. What can I do?

Many people who quit smoking report feeling more anxious within a week of quitting. You may feel tightness in your muscles, especially around the neck and shoulders. These feelings will pass with time. Try these tips to relax without a cigarette:

• Take a walk.
• Take a hot bath.
• Try a massage.
• Take a few minutes to meditate, or do stretching exercises.
• Set aside some quiet time every morning and evening--a time when you can be alone in a quiet environment.

Nicotine replacement products can also help relieve anxiety and other symptoms often felt by people trying to quit smoking. These products deliver small, steady doses of nicotine into the body. Nicotine replacement patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhaler are equally effective. Bupropion pills, which don't contain nicotine, also help relieve symptoms.

For one-on-one help with quitting, call the National Cancer Institute's Smoking Quitline toll-free at 1-877-448-7848. Ask for a free copy of Clearing the Air: Quit Smoking Today, an NCI publication that has tips on quitting.

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