Craving a smoke? Try this to beat the craving Delay Put off lighting up straight away, after a few minutes the craving will start to weaken. While you wait try one of the techniques below: Deep breathe Focus on your breathing. Deep breathing helps reduce stress and distracts you from thoughts of smoking Drink water Get up, go to the sink and pour a glass of water. Keep a drink bottle with you too, it will keep your mind, hands and mouth busy. Do something else Take your mind off smoking by taking action – watch YouTube, read a magazine, listen to music, go for a walk, call a friend. Keep your hands busy, put something else in your mouth like chewing gum,, brush your teeth.