Kick the butt
We all know that
smoking is injurious to health.
The list of problems it causes stretches
on and on and includes everything
from lung cancer to emphysema to wrinkles.
But
what do you do when you really want to stop smoking?
Although difficult,
it is possible to quit smoking,
especially with help and support from
family, friends, and the medical community.
Decide that YOU want to quit smoking
In order to stop smoking,
you have to be the one who wants to stop.
Even if everyone around you wants you to quit smoking,
the choice is yours and will only work
if you decide you are ready to quit.
List the reasons for quitting Listing the reasons
? in detail ?
to stop smoking can help your decision.
Write them on notes and
put them around your house
where you can see them.
Calculate
how much money you will save
if you stop smoking
Figure out how much money you will save
per week, month, and year,
and then decide
where you will direct that money
once you quit smoking.
Try to think of something that
you have been wanting for a while.
Set a date to quit smoking Set a date and stick to it.
Maybe it can be your birthday or anniversary.
Think of stopping smoking
as a gift to yourself on this special occasion.
Take care of yourself physically
Since you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms,
it’s important to take the best care of yourself possible.
Drink plenty of water instead of soda or alcohol,
work out, don’t work too many hours,
and get plenty of sleep.
Understand withdrawal Realize that,
when you stop smoking,
you will go through withdrawal.
However,
withdrawal symptoms are temporary
and the worst of it will be over within a week.
Be prepared for irritability, fatigue,
and other unpleasant symptoms,
but
keep telling yourself:
“This will pass”.
Be aware of triggers
Most relapses occur within the first three months
after one stops smoking.
Remind yourself
that it will get easier as you go on.
Enlist help Talk to family and friends
and explain that you are going to stop smoking
in order to prepare them for any irritability
or fatigue that may occur.
Ask them to be willing to talk to you
or go for a walk with you when you feel the urge to smoke.
It would be better,
if you find someone you already know
who is willing to quit smoking with you.
Stop smoking one day at a time
If you think that you will never get to have
a cigarette again,
you will likely be so overwhelmed
that you will reach for a cigarette immediately.
Instead,
tell yourself that
you are going to stop smoking just for today.
If you need to,
take it one hour at a time.
Realize that relapses happen to the best of people.
If you have stopped smoking and relapsed,
try again, and again
until you are able to quit for good.
