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, and the wasted time.
I finally had enough of the failures. It took at least five serious quitting attempts over the course 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 22 years ago, and I’ve never had another drag of a smoke since. Not even once.
Quitting smoking wasn’t easy. In fact, to this day, it’s still one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life – giving up the comfort of my favourite vice, my biggest excuse, and in some cases, even my social connections. But it is also one of the best things I’ve done in my life. Of that, I’m 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 have a smoke. No more enduring awful weather just for a puff. No more smelly clothes and fingers. No more damaging your lungs, your health, yourself. No more shelling out over $20 bucks a pack (yikes!).
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 best tips that helped me in my quest to quit smoking for good, that I hope will help you, too, on your own journey.
Pick your quit-day and prepare
Quitting smoking can happen on any day. If you don’t quit January 1, you don’t have to torture yourself for another entire year until it rolls around again. Pick any date and get ready for it.
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 it to your friends and family and ask for their 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. If you smoke in the car on the way to work, carpool or take the bus for the first few weeks. If you smoke while watching TV, read a book instead.
If certain friends are smokers, let them know right up front that you won’t be able to hang out with them for awhile. Be willing to change your routines, and make choices that are good for you.
Seek support
When I began my journey, I joined a website where all members were trying to quit. Through this online ‘quit smoking’ community, we kept online diaries, encouraged each other, celebrated successes, shared setbacks, and vented our stresses.
For three solid months, I was on 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
There are many sources of information out there 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. If you need to avoid people, just do it. If you need to eat more, that’s okay. Even if you gain a few extra 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, even 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 as soon as you’re done eating. Post-meal time can be a real trigger for wanting a cigarette, so if you clean your mouth right away, it will help with the urge 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.
Chew gum, have a piece of candy, and keep your mouth busy. Keep a bag of sunflower seeds handy, and eat 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.
