Every smoker determined to quit eventually reaches the point of ‘enough’ before figuring out how to quit smoking for good. For me, after 17 years of being a slave to cigarettes, I finally had enough of the struggles, the cravings, the expenses. The wasted time. The failures.
It took at least five serious quitting attempts over the span of a decade before my long-sought resolution finally stuck. In one cold-turkey swoop, I went from a full-on pack-a-day addiction, to absolutely zero puffs. That was back in 2002. And I’ve never had another drag since. Not even once. And I never can again.
Quitting smoking wasn’t easy. In fact, still to this day, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. Giving up the comfort of my addiction, my favourite vice, my biggest excuse, and in some cases, social connections. But it’s also one of the best things I’ve done in my life. Of that, I’m absolutely certain.
Reaching your point of enough
If you’re a smoker who is trying to quit, or thinking about quitting, you’ve already decided it’s the best thing you can do for yourself, your health, and your happiness.
Just imagine life without smoking! No more cravings. No more anxiety when you can’t smoke. No more enduring awful weather for a puff. No more smelly clothes and fingers. No more damaging your lungs, your health, yourself. No more shelling out more than $20 bucks a pack.
A smoke-free lifestyle is wonderful, and a huge relief for body, mind and spirit. I’m proud to call myself a quitter! Here are some tips for what helped me in my quest to quit smoking for good. I hope they will help you, too, on your own quest.
Pick your quit-day and get ready
Quitting smoking can happen on any day. It doesn’t have to be January 1. If you have a smoke in the new year, don’t feel like you have to torture yourself for another entire year. Pick any date and get ready for it. I smoked on January 1 the year I quit. But instead of quitting on the idea of quitting… I picked another date three weeks away. January 22, 2002, became my quit date. And still is.
Research resources that can help you. Purchase cinnamon sticks or licorice root. Stock up on gum and healthy snacks. Prepare to start a new hobby to keep your hands busy. Declare your intentions to friends and family and ask for support. Because once you announce something, it’s harder to back out.
Know your triggers and avoid them
There are always triggers that make us want to light up. Always. So you might need to change up routines for the first while.
For example, if you smoke in the car on the way to work, carpool with a colleague, or take the bus. If you like to smoke while watching TV, read a book instead. If certain friends are smokers, let them know you won’t be hanging out with them for awhile. Be willing to make choices that are good for you.
Seek support for the process
When I began my journey of quitting, I joined a website where all members were trying to quit. This online ‘quit smoking’ community allowed us to keep online diaries, to encourage each other, to celebrate successes, share setbacks, and vent our frustrations.
For three solid months, I visited this site everyday. It motivated and inspired me, and contributed to my ability to finally quit for good. I am forever grateful to my quit-buddies out in cyberspace, and wish them continued success – wherever they may be.
Educate yourself on the harm
There are many sources of information that explain the truths and dangers of smoking. So read all about it. Knowing full-well that smoking can cause cancer and emphysema might make you think twice. Being aware that cigarettes have additives like radioactive lead and toxic cyanide may help you realize you no longer want to ingest poison into your body.
Read everything you can get your hands on. Zero in on the things that disgust you the most, and keep a list in your wallet. The next time you want a cigarette, remind yourself of all the terrible realities of smoking.
Give yourself permission
Yes indeed, give yourself permission. “For what?” you might ask. The answer is “for whatever you need.” Just give yourself permission.
If you need to sleep more, so be it. Need to avoid people? Just do it. Want to eat more? That’s okay. Allow yourself some grace. Even if you gain a few pounds, you can always focus on losing them later. Besides, it’s much healthier in the long run to be a few pounds heavier then to be a smoker.
Never quit quitting
They say it takes many tries for quitting smoking to finally take hold. That was definitely true for me. And it might be for you, too.
Regardless of how many times you try, the important thing is that you don’t ever stop trying until it works for you. It might be a struggle, and may end up being the hardest thing you ever do. But you know what? You’re worth it. So keep at it.
Quit smoking for good: tried-and-true tips
Drink lots of water, more than you usually do. Have an extra coffee if you’re a coffee drinker, and sip on herbal teas if it’s later in the day.
Brush and floss your teeth when you’re done eating. Post-meals can be a real trigger time for wanting a cigarette. So if you clean your mouth right away, it helps with the urge to want to smoke.
When experiencing a strong craving, chew on a cinnamon stick, or a piece of licorice root. Having an oral fixation helped me countless times. Its a game-changer. Trust me on this.
Chew gum, have a piece of candy, and keep your mouth busy. Keep a bag of sunflower seeds handy, and have a handful of those when you feel like smoking.
Take up knitting. File your nails. Shuffle a deck of cards. Doodle on a napkin. Do something/anything to keep your hands busy.
If you exercise, do a workout. If you don’t exercise, start! Working your cardiovascular system will get your lungs working, help you breathe deeper, and make you feel better about yourself and your decision to quit smoking for good.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. If you want to do this badly enough, you can. Because if I can – a die-hard smoker – so can you.
