|
For example, if you smoke after dinner, get up from the table and do the dishes, or go for a walk. Change the habit or activity that you normally do while smoking.
-
Physical activity is necessary, if not imperative. Physical activity reminds you with each deep breath you take,
how much better your body will be working. Begin to condition yourself physically - start a modest exercise
regimen, drink more fluids, get plenty of rest and avoid fatigue.
-
Smoke only under circumstances which are not especially pleasurable for you. If you like to smoke with others, smoke alone.
-
List all the reasons why you want to quit. Every night before you go to bed, repeat one of the reasons ten times.
-
Change you eating habits to aid in cutting down, For example, drink milk, which is frequently considered incompatible
with smoking. End meals or snacks with something that won't lead to a cigarette.
-
Don't empty your ashtrays. This will not only remind you of how many cigarettes you have smoked each day, but the sight
and smell of the stale butts will also be very unpleasant.
-
Save all of your cigarette butts for one week in one large container as a visual reminder of the filth smoking represents.
-
Throw away all cigarettes and matches. Hide lighters and ashtrays.
-
Visit the dentist and have your teeth cleaned to get rid of the tobacco stains. Notice how nice they look, and resolve to keep them that way.
-
Keep very busy on the big day. Go to the movies, exercise, take long walks, go bike riding.
-
Buy yourself a treat, or do something special to celebrate.
-
The first few days after you quit, spend as much free time as possible in place where smoking is prohibited,
e.g., libraries, museums, theatres, department stores, churches smoke free restaurants, etc.
-
Until you're confident of your ability to stay off cigarettes, limit your socializing to healthful, outdoor activities or situations where smoking is prohibited.
-
If you must be in a situation where you'll be tempted to smoke (such as cocktail party or dinner party) try to associate with the non-smokers there.
-
Look at cigarette ads more critically to better understand the attempts to make individual brands appealing.
-
Change your habits to make smoking difficult, impossible, or unnecessary. Try activities such as swimming,
jogging, tennis, or handball. Wash your hands or dishes when the desire for a cigarette is intense.
-
Do things to maintain a clean mouth taste, such as brushing your teeth frequently and using a mouthwash.
Back to top
Making Quit Happen
Ready to stop smoking? Our Making Quit Happen self-help manual has helped thousands of smokers quit the habit.
We know quitting smoking is not easy. Remember, it might take more than one attempt to quit. Follow the advice in
Making Quit Happen to help you through these times.
Making Quit Happen offers common sense advice on:
- How to get ready to quit;
- What to do when you’re quitting; and
- How to stay a non-smoker after you’ve quit.
For more information please call our Lung Health Line at1-888-344-LUNG (5864) or download a free copy of Making Quit Happen self-help manual.
Click here for the Making Quit Happen report
Back to top
|
Print This Page