When it comes to making the commitment to stop smoking forever, there are three basic tips that WellAdvantage Director of Coaching Programs Liz Clark believes can make the difference between success and failure.
“Every time we talk to ex-smokers, these three tips are cited time after time,” Liz reports. “Best of all, they are simple and free.”
So are you ready for success? Here’s how to start:
| 1. Develop a plan and set a quit date. You wouldn’t go on vacation without packing would you? Give yourself a date to quit and have your plan in place. Start planning activities and outings where temptations are minimized – the gym, a museum, playing tennis or a smoke-free restaurant.2. Tell others you’re quitting and seek their support.
Let your friends and family know you’re quitting. Ask them for their support and encouragement. Engage non-smokers to help you. Invite others to quit with you. Harness the energy of peer pressure to stay the course! 3. Find new ways to manage stress. If you are a smoker who uses tobacco to counter stress, finding new ways to reduce tension is important. Many ex-smokers report that the increase in physical activity they build into their lives when they quit smoking is an amazing stress reducer. Another stress reliever is meditation. Rely on the things that relax you to aid in your smoke-free journey – whether it’s reading a book, gardening, exercising or simply enjoying the simple pleasure of a sunset. |
A final tip from Liz is one that everyone will appreciate: the financial rewards. To calculate just how much money you can save as an ex-smoker, go to: http://smokefree.gov/reasons-to-quit