Get Your Mind off It…Woodworking

Hammer and nails, the sound of the power sander, there is just something about the workbench strewn with carefully crafted pieces waiting to be put together into a timeless heirloom. In this edition of “Get Your Mind off It…” we’ll explore how woodworking benefits us quitters. We’ll also discuss some easy ways to get started in this rewarding hobby.

Woodworking, just like any other in-depth hobby, is great for new ex-smokers because it needs concentration and it requires working with your hands. Preparing each project takes time and focus, as well as a bit of creativity and dedication to the finished product. This can be an “emersion” type experience for us, where we’d rather be working on our project rather than doing anything else, like smoking. Another benefit is that you are doing something with your hands other than holding a cigarette.

Getting started is easy, and although there are many expensive tools you can buy, you can start with a fairly simple project with a drill, keyhole saw set, hand saw, sandpaper, hammer, nails and wood glue. Projects like a bat house and craft baskets can be found at woodworkersworkshop.com . If you’d like to get more advanced and purchase some elaborate table saw you can put the cost against the money you saved not buying cigarettes!