Washington: Engaging in exciting or 'self-expanding' activities, such as puzzle-solving, games, or hobbies with one's partner can reduce craving for nicotine, helping smokers kick the butt, a new study has found.

Researchers including Arthur Aron, a Research Professor in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University, based the findings on a neuroimaging study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.