BEST TIME TO QUIT?NOW!!!
I was just 17 years old when I started smoking. And as early as 2 years, I already felt the bad effects of it. That was the time I said to myself: I should stop smoking. And so I did. I''ve won from the battle of quitting. I even helped my husband beat that bad habit too!
So if me and my husband did it, you can too. It''s just a matter of self control and determination. And of course, some helpful ways from the experts.
If you’re going to go through the hard work of quitting, you owe it to yourself to stack the odds for success in your favor. Some people can just quit cold turkey, but most of us need to make some changes first. Good preparation, it turns out, can improve your odds of quitting, and make the process easier.
FIRST STEP: think about why you smoke.
Did you start puffing because friends or family did?
Do you enjoy smoking because it makes you feel focused or relaxed, or because it lets you take a break or helps you control your weight?
Identifying these reasons can help you avoid your trigger later and prevent a setback.
Now think about why you want to quit.
Write them down. Make a list of all the reasons you want to stop smoking: to improve your health, to improve your family''s health, to look better, to save money, to have a cleaner home and car.
Now start making your plan for quitting.
Smoking cessation experts have come up with a handy way you can START to quit: Set a quit date, Tell others, Anticipate challenges, Remove tobacco products and smoking-related objects such as ashtrays and lighters from your home and automobile, and Talk to your doctor.
Here''s how: Set a quit date. It might help to pick a special time, such as Valentine''s Day. If you have a birthday coming up, that''s a good date. A loved one''s birthday on the horizon? Quitting could be the perfect gift.
Don''t wait too long, though. The American Cancer Society suggests that you choose a specific date within the next month and circle it on your calendar.
Tell relatives, friends and coworkers that you''re quitting. Ask them for patience during the trying weeks ahead. If any of them smoke, see if they want to quit with you, and if not, ask them not to smoke around you while you''re quitting.
Anticipate and prepare for the obstacles you''ll meet. Think about what triggers you to smoke. Do you smoke more when you''re alone, or with certain friends? At work? While having coffee, after meals, talking on the telephone or in bars?
If you tried to quit before, think about what the problems were and why you had a relapse. Did you feel swamped by financial, workplace or family stress? Did you gain weight? Were you surrounded by smokers at a party?
Stock up on supplies that may help, such as nicotine replacement products, helpline contact information, celery and carrot sticks, sugarless candies and exercise equipment.
Remove smoking products from your home, workplace and car. This includes matches, lighters and ashtrays.
Also, visit your dentist to get your teeth cleaned. Your newly bright smile will be a visual reminder of how quitting will improve your appearance. Give your car, clothes and curtains a good cleaning as well to remove the smell of tobacco.
Consider saving your tobacco money and using it to reward yourself when you reach a predetermined smoking cessation goal.
Talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit. The many approaches include counseling, support groups, relaxation training and medications. For details on these options, see What Works: The Science of Smoking Cessation .
Note that nicotine affects some medications. Ask your doctor and pharmacist if any of your prescriptions will have to be adjusted after you quit.
Toss off temptation Staying a nonsmoker isn''t just about willpower. It''s also about your environment. This is especially true in the short term; as your smoke-free ways become a permanent part of your life, you can allow yourself to be in more tempting situations. But as you are building up that capacity, make it easier on yourself
Play out the plan.You worked hard on your quit-smoking plan. Now carry through.
Keep appointments with your doctor/therapist/support group.
Phone your hotline or call up your Internet chatroom when you need help.
Take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Practice your stress reduction exercises.
Reward yourself when you pass a hurdle or milestone Picture the prize When the going gets tough, think about everything you have to gain from quitting. Think about: Your health and your family''s.
How much better you''ll look and feel.
The longer, easier life you''ll lead.
The thousands of dollars you''ll save each year.
Your cleaner home, car and clothes.
Keep a written list of your goals with you for inspiration.
One day at a time Remember that each day is a victory. Each day, the struggle becomes a little easier as your nicotine addiction eases. For the long term, you will have to remain alert to your smoking triggers and remind yourself that you can never again take even one puff. You are now an ex-smoker and plan to stay one. Welcome to your new life.