Great American Smokeout:  Tips To Kick The Habit

Overview of the Basic Steps:

Just thinking about quitting may make you anxious. But your chances will be better if you get ready first. Quitting works best when you’re prepared. Before you quit, START by taking these five important steps:

S = Set a quit date.
T = Tell family, friends, and coworkers that you plan to quit.
A = Anticipate and plan for the challenges you’ll face while quitting.
R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work.
T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.

Steps to Take on Your Quit Day:

Today’s the day you start your smoke-free life! Remind your family and friends that today is your quit date. Ask them to support you during the first few days and weeks. They can help you through the rough spots.

Using your support program
Keep busy
Stay away from what tempts you

Managing Cravings:

Remember: The urge to smoke will come and go. Try to wait it out. Or look at the plan you made last week. You wrote down steps to take at a time like this. Try them! You can also try these tips:

-Keep other things around instead of cigarettes. Try carrots, pickles, sunflower seeds, apples, celery, raisins, or sugarfree gum.

-Wash your hands or the dishes when you want a cigarette very badly. Or take a shower.

-Learn to relax quickly by taking deep breaths. Take 10 slow, deep breaths and hold the last one. Then breathe out slowly. Relax all of your muscles. Picture a soothing, pleasant scene. Just get away from it all for a moment. Think only about that peaceful image and nothing else.

Source:  smokefree.gov

You will also find other tips to help you surrender your smokes under the related links section of this story.