Staying Focused on Quitting

Are you ready for the benefits of a smokefree life? Trying to quit is the first step! The tips below will help you stay on track, even when things get tough.

Read about how to quit smoking. Think about how it might work for you.
Spend time remembering your reasons for wanting to stop smoking and the benefits of quitting.
Tell yourself that you can choose to smoke or not. Tell yourself that you can quit smoking. Make a promise to yourself to not smoke.
Take the warnings of health hazards and illnesses caused by smoking seriously. They can happen to you.
Consider the harm to the earth that is caused by smoking (like cigarette butts on the ground, air pollution, and forest fires). Also, the world is a better place when people quit smoking.
Have at least one person you can count on, be open with, and who will listen to you about your experiences with quitting smoking.
Take things out of your home and work that remind you of smoking, like ashtrays, matches, and lighters. Replace them with things that remind you NOT to smoke, like a list of your reasons for quitting, or a picture of your family.
Instead of smoking:
- Find things to do with your hands.
- Think about something else.
- Be active.
- Choose a healthy way to relax or deal with stress.
- Drink cold water.
Notice how much the public supports nonsmokers and makes it easier to be one. Notice the “No Smoking” signs wherever you go and how many nonsmokers are all around you.
Label yourself as a nonsmoker. Think about how happy you will be when you quit.
Reward yourself when you don’t smoke.
Ask important people around you to help you to feel good about yourself when you don’t smoke. Welcome their rewards.

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