keep trying if you slip up and smoke again.
First Steps to Quitting Smoking
Here are some first steps to take when quitting smoking:
- Set a quit date: Choose a specific day in the near future when you will stop smoking and make a plan for how to handle cravings and triggers.
- Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can provide you with information on the different methods available to help you quit smoking and can also help you to develop a quit plan.
- Gather support: Tell your friends and family that you’re quitting and ask for their support. You can also seek out a support group or counselor who specializes in helping people quit smoking.
- Get rid of smoking paraphernalia: Throw away lighters, ashtrays, and cigarettes. Clean your clothes, car, and house from the smoke smell.
- Get active: Regular physical activity can help reduce cravings and improve your mood.
- Plan for cravings and triggers: Identify situations and emotions that make you want to smoke, and plan how you will handle them when they arise.
- Be patient with yourself: Remember that quitting smoking is a process, and it may take multiple attempts to quit successfully.
- Reward yourself: Give yourself a non-food reward for each smoke-free milestone you reach, whether it be a massage or a new book, or a weekend getaway.
It’s important to remember that quitting smoking is not easy, but it is possible. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can successfully quit smoking and improve your health and well-being.