These tips will help you as you get closer to becoming a non-smoker:

1. Cut down on beverages which contain caffeine; including coffee, teas and sodas. Nicotine affects your metabolism of caffeine. After stopping smoking the same amount of caffeine will be experienced as 50-60% more. This will make withdrawal symptoms worse and increase your temptation to lapse. If you don’t cut back on caffeine before you quit smoking, switch to lower caffeine coffee and herbal teas and decaffeinated sodas when you quit. (You might consider sugar-free caffeine free sodas to help reduce weight gain.)

3. Postpone every third cigarette. Wait seven minutes before lighting up; if the urge passes, don’t smoke.

4. Buy your cigarettes one pack at a time – don’t stock up with cartons. Some people switch to a brand they do not like in an attempt to make smoking less appealing.

5. Use coping strategies when you feel like having a cigarette: chew gum, drink a glass of water, or try deep-breathing exercises.

6. Do something nice for yourself every day if you make progress on getting ready for your quit date.