Attempting to quit is never wasted effort. Every urge you battle, even for one cigarette, brings
you closer to knowing what works and what doesn't. To make your next quit the last, learn everything
you can about the process — yes, quitting is a process — before you take your last puff.
Yesterday is in the past. Right here, right now is what matters most. If your mind wanders in
either direction, pull it back. Cravings don't last forever.
Don't look at past quit attempts as failures. Learn from the experiences you've had and move on.
Think about all of the positive changes you're creating in your life.
Eat a balanced diet. Your body needs good quality fuel now more than ever. Get plenty of rest.
Drink water. And, of course, exercise. Whatever you favorite activity is, just do it.
Alcohol and smoking go hand-in-hand. Consider putting off any plans that might involve drinking,
especially during the first few weeks after you quit. Whatever it takes to stay quit is top priority.
Quitting is stressful enough. Other stresses from work and home can sneak up on you if you're not
careful, and before you know it, you're fighting a strong urge to smoke. Take time every day to
de-stress with an activity that you enjoy.
Statistics show that people who quit with a healthy support system in place have a much higher
rate of success over time. Find supportive friends and family. Or bend the ear of a person who's
'been there and done that.'
A strong urge can cloud your thinking. Write down your reasons for quitting and review them
whenever you can.
Quitting means letting go of a way of life you've had for many years. It's only fair to expect
that breaking your smoking habits will take time. Try to learn something from each past attempt
and move on.
Perhaps you're not ready to quit yet, but you have at least thought about making a very important
decision of your life. Congratulations! You are at a crossroads. When you're ready, you will
succeed. Millions of people already have.
|