QUIT SMOKING TIPS
*Talk to your doctor about quit aides available if you decide to use something to help you.
*Try to cut down on the number of cigarettes that you normally would smoke as you get closer to your quit date. Some people even switch from their favorite brands to a brand that they find distasteful.
*Gather your support group of family and friends that can help keep you inspired.
*Start a list of reasons why you want to quit and the benefits that you will get from a healthier you.
*Start a trigger list and write out some ways that you can overcome cravings without smoking. Talk to other people that have quit to get some ideas.
*Start affirming "I can do this", "Smoking is not an option", "This too shall pass" or what ever slogan it is that you think will help you with quitting. Make it personal. Write it on the wall, keep it next to the puter, keep a reminder of it in your pocket, and/or say it every time you have a craving that is difficult.
*Start a journal or blogg on your quit.
*Start doing a practice quit. Say, I will not smoke just for 2 hours or 24 hours.
*Change your routine. Try not smoking for 30 minutes when you get up. Smoke only out doors. Then add not smoking in your car. Tell yourself you can have one but in these places you will not smoke. Alter this list to fit your needs. Keep adding to it
*If you have decided to use aides to help you, be sure you understand all the directions and have them in the house and ready to go!
*Wash all of your ashtrays and put them out of sight.
*Make sure that there are no cigarettes left in the house (helps to have no temptation). The flush is the best way to be rid of ALL temptation!
*Start seeing yourself as success in quitting. Visualize the outcome.
*Name the part of you that wants to smoke as the "Nicodemon" - this is in order to separate the addictioon from the person. Remember that is your responsibility to take care of it. Sometimes you might need help with dealing with the Nicodemon because it will have you believe it is all powerful, which it is not! You are! You might need a little help and you have a plan on how to get that help and will use it.
Have a plan...
*Have lots of sugar free candy, hard candy, gummi bears, popsicle, frozen grapes, cinnamon sticks, or what ever you prefer, ready for when those cravings hit. Carrots sticks or celery sticks are healthy choices also.
*Have a special treat for your self planned, even if it is walking around in a mall, window shopping (non smoking destinations are the best, of course).
*Have a goal.... "If I quit smoking for one week, I am going to buy...... (or go....)" When (not if!) you reach that goal set another! For me dinner out to my favorite restaurant is once ever month and one year smoke free was a new computer. Remember all the money you are going to save from not smoking!
*Please, please, please ... follow all directions on the quit aid that you have chosen. Nicotine poisoning can be deadly. Never smoke with the patch on or use the haler without the consent of your doctor!
*Be prepared. Realize in advance that there will be rough times. Just try to remember that the cravings will pass.
*The Silkquit - The meter is a great inspiration. Watch the statistics move up!
*Drink water.
*Drink more water.
*Drink even more water! It will help to flush out your system and also help keep weight gain to a minimum.
*Exercise is great stress reliever. It will help keep weight gain down and make a healthier you too! Just be sure to check with your doctor before starting any program.
*A change of routine can also help. If morning coffee was at kitchen table with a cigarette. Then have morning coffee on front porch in the fresh air.
*Read your list of reasons you wanted to quit! Keep these in mind. Read everything you can on quitting smoking.
*Use your support group to help. Call a friend who is support of your quit.
*Help someone else to quit smoking.
*Keep your hands and mind busy! The more I thought about how bad the craving was the longer it seemed to last. When a craving hits, get moving. I sang a lot the first week. It is hard to sing and smoke at the same time. You also have to think about words to the song and not lighting up. (Pity my neighbors!!!)
*Clean out your car! It will smell so much better!
*Clean your house. This will help with keeping busy and think how great it is going to smell now!
*Remember that your kids, significant other, friends, boss, or parents will still irritate you or just plain drive you crazy even if you are smoking. A cigarette never stopped a child from having a temper tantrum!
* Remember the 5 D's - DELAY, DRINK WATER, DO SOMETHING ELSE, DEEP BREATHE, and DISCUSS your thoughts and feelings with someone close to you.
*Celebrate!!!!! Boy, this is a big one! Too many times after we have quit for a long period, friends and family forget how hard it was and how far we have come and how hard of a fight it is. This is especially true if they have never smoked. It is an addiction and we can never give in to it. Even if it is dinner out once a month or a movie. It should be honored! Think of all the money you have saved from not smoking.
*Never forget how hard it was to quit!
*Read your list of reasons for quitting
*Keep your goals in mind, and keep setting more.
*Keep in touch with your support buddies.
*Help someone else to quit smoking or help someone who has a smoking related illness.
*Make a gratitude list of the reason why you don't smoke today.
The opinions expressed on these pages are of the individual who gave them and not necessarily of Nicotine Anonymous. Take what you like and leave the rest. If you have any questions about the content of this website please e-mail me at: [email protected] For conference approved literature please visit the official site. www.nicotine-anonymous.org
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