Quelling Cravings: Five Top Tips
Cravings can be difficult to manage for many reasons, particularly for those who are suffering or have suffered with various forms of addiction.
They’re incredibly important to manage for those who have gone through drug rehab, as ultimately managing them and not is the difference between maintaining sobriety and falling off the wagon.
It’s no easy feat, however, and if anyone is struggling to manage and quell their cravings, here are five top tips to help you get past them…
Stay Hydrated
Interestingly, thirst can play a big part in this and masquerade as unnecessary cravings. You should aim to drink at least two litres of water each day and even more if you are physically active or living in a hotter climate.
Water keeps the body hydrated and performing at optimum levels, with cravings often creeping in when that is not the case. Carry a bottle around with you and stay topped up so you can keep those cravings at bay.
Plan Balanced Meals and Snacks
Alongside staying hydrated, a well-balanced diet plays a key role in the body performing at optimum levels too, so ensuring a balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, lean proteins and healthy fats, alongside plenty of fruit and veg will only hold you in good stead.
Avoid skipping meals, and opt for healthier snacks that are full of superfoods, with the antioxidants even helping reduce cravings.
Identify Triggers
Understanding trigger points is essential for managing cravings. Keeping a diary can be good for this, no matter what you crave, whether it be alcohol, drugs, even the likes of gambling and of course food.
Note down the when the cravings occur and how you were feeling at this point, so add emotions, situations or activities or events that caused such cravings.
The likes of stress, boredom, certain social situations and fatigue can all be common denominators when it comes to cravings.
Choose Healthy Alternatives
When cravings strike, opt for healthier alternatives to satisfy your taste buds. This is particularly the case for good, but also applies to alcohol and drugs too.
Opt for a fresh piece of fruit or a smoothie or non-alcoholic alternative, and over time you’ll be able to squash cravings with new found “treats” instead. It’s all about being mindful and doing so can go a long way to meeting your wellness goals.
Practise Mindfulness
Finally, practising mindfulness is a key method of quelling cravings and one that many rehabilitation centres encourage their patients to take up.
The likes of yoga, meditation, exercise and being around nature can all be helpful in this, increasing focus, calm and ensuring you’re in the right frame of mind to tackle cravings and challenges head on. This can be instrumental in staying on track and maintaining a healthier and more positive lifestyle.
