Quit Smoking Plan
Although some people seem to be able to “just do it”, the truth is, the majority of us need a quit smoking plan. This helps us stay focused and concentrate on our goal: becoming free from the addiction that is doing so much damage to out health.
To set up your quit smoking plan, you will need to set a date when you quit. This may be 6 months from now, or even 6 minutes from now. It’s all up to you. Basically, the sooner you set the date, the better.
Before your quit date has arrived, it is advised that you let your close ones know you’re going to be off nicotine. Let them know in advance, and also try to explain to them that you might get a bit more nervous and more irascible. Doing this will ensure that, if / when you might lose your temper, your loves ones will be understanding, knowing that you’re going through a difficult time.
Set a good, pertinent, strong motivation for quitting. This will help you deal with the cravings you will get the first days after you get off nicotine. Usually, I advise people to pick a reason that has nothing to do with third parties – you never know when that person might get you mad, or disappointed, and you lose your motivation to stay smoke-free.
Once you’re off nicotine, be sure to remind yourself why you’re doing this, every once in a while. This will help you stay focused and on the safe side.
Start feeling proud of being a better, cleaner, and soon healthier person. You’re doing something many smokers secretly wish they would do – but never get the guts to give it a try. I remember this stage of mine very clearly: I would walk down the street and see people (young, old, women, men, teenagers, grandpas) smoking – and I always thought to my self “That is disgusting; I’m so glad and proud to be over that stage!”
Do not kid yourself into smoking just one cigarette – there is no such thing as “one”. In fact, one cigarette always turns into a couple, five, ten, a pack, a weekend, and before you know it, you’re hooked again. I have personally seen this happen in a lot of people – me included. Just remember your motivation, the reason you’re doing this in the first place, and you stand a fair chance in not falling for this subtle trap.
Be sure to have a strong quit smoking plan – and most of all, the necessary support of loved ones. This means telling them you will need and appreciate their support. Do not hesitate to contact them, if they say they want to help. As far as I can tell, many people fear of becoming too annoying, and hence hesitate in asking for support. But tell you what: if a friend says he or she wants to help you, take it for what it is, and be sure that, if at some point, they will have had enough of you, they WILL tell you. So chill, stick to your quit smoking plan, and remember that friends are there to support you – just like you would support them in such an important matter!