The New Year is approaching and it is a time when many people will make a resolution to stop smoking and I thought it was appropriate for me to write some of the lessons I learned from this quit.
- Educate yourself about nicotine addiction and withdrawal. Visit the American Lung Association, whyquit.com and quitsmokingonline.com. Read about smoking: I read Allen Carr’s book “The Easy Way to Quit Smoking”.
- Have a plan! Some people can just decide they are quitting smoking and drop that last packet into a dustbin somewhere and never smoke again. There are others, like me, who are highly addicted and while I might throw the pack in the dustbin they’ll probably be resurrected within a short time. If you are addicted have a plan.
- Know yourself. If you have tried to quit before what caused you to go back smoking? Should you avoid alcohol, coffee etc for a little while? Should you avoid situations where there are a lot of people smoking? You are the key to your success!
- Treat your plan like a contract. Set your quit date and stick to it. Let your friends and health care professionals know about your plan.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for support from your friends, family, acquaintances whatever. If you can, talk about how you feel. Start a blog, keep a diary whatever – it really helps to get those feelings out. Join a support group such as the American Lung Association- the people there understand what you may be experiencing and they will help you along.
- Constantly educate yourself about the ill effects of nicotine to keep your guard up. I go to whyquit.com to reinforce my resolve to stay quit.
- Treat your quit date as if it is the most important day in your life. Because it is!-
- Be kind to yourself and plan rewards. Quitting is tough so be prepared to indulge yourself a little to help you through the first few weeks.
- Maintain a good attitude. Use positive reinforcement “Yes You Can Quit!
- Plan on Staying Quit. A lot of people quit for a short period and revert back to smoking. You have to work at maintaining your quit so don’ let your guard down after the first few months. Recognize that you are an addict and you can never have another ONE!!