Now you know why - Plan how to stop
 

In making your plan for quitting consider the following ideas:

  • If you enjoy the stimulation and the lift of energy you get when you smoke, then design in your plan substitute exercise, nutritious foods and rest. Remember loss of energy is a temporary side effect.
  • If you enjoy handling the cigarette and playing with it in your hand then substitute doodling, manipulating clay, or marbles. Plan to have something in your hands.
  • If smoking helps you relax then try a hobby, or relaxation exercises, techniques such as meditation or massage.
  • If you tend to smoke when uncomfortable or stressed then confront your feelings, learn and use coping strategies, use humor, lean on a friend. Consider reading materials on stress.
  • If you crave smoking, have a psychological and/or physical need to smoke, then use a nicotine replacement method to reduce your nicotine dependence more slowly.
  • If you smoke out of habit; just automatically light up, then change your habits to gain awareness: for example, store your cigarettes in a different pocket. Break up your patterns.
  • If you smoke to depress your appetite and control your weight then moderate exercise before a meal can help suppress your appetite, while frequent small meals prevent dips in blood sugar that increase appetite.

Click below to learn the specifics of how to creat a quit plan.

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