Staying Focused on Quitting

Are you ready for the benefits of a smoke-free 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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