The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
There are many ways to stop smoking, some more successful than others. One thing remains true: planning ahead goes a long way to turning the odds in your favour. Here are six effective steps to help you kick the habit. 1. Pick A Quit Date Your quit date should not be too far in the future. Pick a day that is fairly stress-free. 2. Control Your Surroundings Get rid of all your ashtrays, lighters and any hidden cigarettes. Use a therapeutic aid Ð like a nicotine replacement therapy Ð in combination with counselling and social support. Ask family and friends not to smoke around you. Avoid people, places or activities that make you feel like smoking (at least for the next while). 3. Always Remind Yourself Why You're Quitting Remain focused on the reasons why you are quitting Ð health, family and friends, travel. Carry a list of reasons why you are quitting with you at all times and read them when you are tempted to light up. 4. Avoid Triggers Avoid places where people smoke a lot. Avoid alcohol, coffee, or other beverages you associate with smoking. Change your morning schedule so you won't be tempted to smoke. Spend time with non-smoking friends (at least at the beginning). 5. Change Your Habits When you feel like smoking, go for a walk, practice deep breathing or call a friend. Keep your hands occupied by playing with a pencil, paper clip, marble, etc. Instead of smoking after a meal, try brushing your teeth. Try drinking water or juice at times when you used to smoke. Keep physically active. 6. Reward Yourself For Being Smoke Free Put your cigarette money aside and save it for something special instead, like a short trip or vacation. Open a separate bank account and, at the beginning of each week, deposit the money that would have been used to buy cigarettes as savings towards your next trip. Check out www.nicoderm.ca to see how much you can save!
