This month's dialogue
Tips on Quitting Smoking
We all know the benefits of quitting smoking, but sometimes going cold turkey-especially around the holidays-can be tough. Here are some tips from Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine, that may help:
- Set a quit date. Plan to quit fully on that day.
- Let those around you know your plans. They can offer support to help you through it and will have some understanding when withdrawal symptoms set in.
- Identify the times that you are most likely to smoke. After dinner? With your cup of coffee? While you are driving?
- Next, make a plan for what you will do to avoid triggering the desire to smoke or what you will do in place of smoking. For example, you may place hard candies in your car; go for a walk; or drink tea instead of coffee.
- Find activities that focus your hands and mind, such as crossword puzzles, knitting, etc.
- Set short-term goals. The task of quitting smoking forever may seem daunting. Take it one day at a time and reward yourself for progress-placing the money you would have spent on cigarettes in a jar and buying yourself a "treat" is a fun way to keep track of progress.
Lastly, if you find it too difficult to quit on your own, consider joining a smoking cessation group.
Remember that most ex-smokers did not quit on the first try. Sometimes it takes several attempts. So, do not get discouraged if you cannot kick the habit immediately. Look at the attempts as learning opportunities and try new strategies the next time. Persistence and determination will pay off.
Source: A.D.A.M. , Inc. (2011). "Smoking-Tips on How to Quit." Retrieved November 21, 2011 from Medline Plus.