For smokers who are thinking about quitting, here are some tips to get started on butting out for good:
- Set a target date for your quit attempt.
- Make your home smoke-free. If you go outside to smoke, it will help change routines.
- Make your vehicle smoke-free.
READ MORE: National Non-Smoking Week offers support for butting out for good
Get weekly health news
Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
- Identify triggers that make you want to light up: Your morning coffee? After a meal? Smoke breaks? Alcohol?
- Eliminate reminders of smoking from your home like ashtrays, lighters, and matches.
- Work with someone who smokes? How will you plan your day if you usually take ‘smoke breaks’ with them?
- Consider activities to replace smoking: exercise, knitting or other “hands-on” hobbies.
- Use nicotine-replacement products such as the patch, gum or mouth spray and/or prescription medications such as Zyban and Champix to boost chances of successfully quitting.
- Reward yourself: build incentives into your quit plan; take time to recognize even small changes made.
- Keep sugarless candies on hand to combat cravings, and drink lots of water. Avoid replacing cigarettes with high-carbohydrate snacks to prevent weight gain.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.