It is your right, and your decision to smoke or not to smoke. However, if you have had enough, and have decided it is your time to quit, we have some good advice for you. Check out what we have here and then look up some of the cessation information our partners recommend on their sites.
Why Quit?
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do. Why? Here are just a few good reasons:
- You will live longer and live better.
- Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer.
- If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
- The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier.
- You will have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.
And the number one reason to quit:
YOU GREATLY DECREASE YOUR CHANCES THAT YOU OR
YOUR FAMILY WILL DIE IN A HOUSE FIRE!!
Quitting isn’t easy…
Most cravings are triggered by the events in your daily life. We all have many unique unconscious cues we give ourselves to smoke. When you quit, those cues will trigger the urge. Activities like driving, eating, drinking coffee or alcohol, or simply relaxing can trigger thoughts of smoking for many of us. Mental urges can even mimic physical cravings.
Take it day by day
Each day as we face our cravings, there are several things we can do to divert our urges in other directions. Here are the “Top Ten” ways to beat the urge as written by a former smoker:
- Exercise.
- Take a virtual vacation.
- Drink a glass of water.
- Think about why you quit.
- Find an easy distraction.
- Read cessation literature.
- Count your blessings.
- Eat a healthy snack.
- Call a friend.
- Picture your life as a non-smoker.
If it is your time to quit, nothing will stop you. Make your decision and stick to your mission. Look for help when you need it and start with the right frame of mind from the beginning by calling yourself a non-smoker.