Given up smoking what did you do instead and how helpful was it?!

Given up smoking what did you do instead and how helpful was it?

I gave up smoking about four years ago. I used to substitute a cigarette with a cup of tea or diet drink to keep my hands busy. If I was on the phone I had a pen and scribble pad on the table in front of me so I could "doodle" instead of reaching for a smoke which is what I used to do. Have you tried nicotine patches etc. They might help ease the cravings a bit. I've also heard that drinking lots of water flushes the nicotine out of your system within 48 hours but I'm not really sure about that. On a really positive note...... the longer you go without a cigarette the easier it gets. I'm not talking about the first week or two but the time after that. You'll find that you're thinking less and less about them. I hope you succeed in giving them up. I'm glad I did and will never start again. Good Luck!!!!