Long-time smokers often lament that they have fallen a slave to the habit. While some accept that fate cheerfully, others constantly try – and fail – to quit. Even if you’re a smoker who has fallen into the “quit-and-start-again” cycle, there is still hope for you if you play your cards right. Here are a few things to keep in mind while trying to quit smoking:
- Figure out what makes you want a smoke. Do you habitually smoke after a meal, while watching TV, or after a stressful conversation? Identify these triggering factors and make sure you find out alternative ways of dealing with them. This will be the toughest part.
- Tell everyone you know that you’re quitting. That way, you won’t be able to smoke in front of people without reminders of your decision to quit. Embarrassment, or potential embarrassment, is a potent force for anyone. Then again – some friends may join you in quitting, which will make it even easier!
- Put away your entire smoking apparatus. Apart from tobacco products, lighters, ashtrays etc, also put away your favorite “smoking T-shirt” if you have one. Preferably, rearrange your home and office to make it less familiar, and to prevent triggering memories of your beloved “smoking haunts”.
- DO NOT smoke “just one” after a rough day. That will start you off on the slippery slope back into the land of phlegm-filled lungs, smoky smells and nicotine. No matter how strong the temptation to smoke one cigarette and never to do it again, you must resist it if you want to quit. Cold turkey, no concessions, is often the best way to break an addiction.
- Create a reward-punishment system. Allow yourself a small treat for every day spent without a single cigarette, as well as bigger rewards for one week or one month without a smoke. This could be as small as a sweetmeat, a matinee, or go up to a five-star dinner. Also implement some punishments – like having a hated relative stay over – every time you fall prey to the temptation.
The key to successfully quitting smoking is in … well… quitting. No matter how much you plan, you’ll never know how likely you are to succeed until you actually wake up one day realizing that you’ve been cigarette-free and don’t feel like smoking anymore. So take a deep breath, mourn the loss of your beloved poison for a few minutes, and resolve never to turn back to it.
