Quitting smoking is no easy task, but each day that you don't smoke is a small victory. These all add up to a huge victory over time. Here are 10 tips to get you started:
1.) For the first few days after you quit smoking, spend as much free time as you can in public places where smoking is not allowed. (Libraries, malls, museums, theaters, restaurants without bars, and churches are most often smoke-free.)
2.) Take extra care of yourself. Drink water, eat well, and get enough sleep. This could help you have the energy you might need to handle extra stress.
3.) Don’t drink alcohol, coffee, or any other drinks you link with smoking for at least a couple of months. Try something else instead – maybe different types of water, sports drinks, or 100% fruit juices. Try to choose drinks that are low- or no-calorie.
4.) Avoid temptation – stay away from activities, people, and places you link with smoking.
5.) Create new habits and a non-smoking environment around you.
6.) Get ready to face future situations or crises that might make you want to smoke again, and think of all the important reasons you’ve decided to quit. To remind yourself of these reasons, put a picture of the people who are the most important to you somewhere you see it every day, or keep one handy on your phone.
7.) Take deep breaths to relax. Picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air.
8.) Remember your goal and the fact that the urge to smoke will lessen over time.
9.) Think about how awesome it is that you’re quitting smoking and getting healthy. If you start to weaken, remember your goal. Remember that quitting is a learning process. Be patient with yourself.
10.) Brush your teeth and enjoy that fresh taste.
Source: American Cancer Society