Janson Designs

Quitting smoking is not easy, it takes planning, education, courage, will and determination, and moreover, a reason.  Once you are in the path to quit smoking and have found your why, there are certain activities that you can do to keep in track.  These aides will help you succeed in your weak moments and they will strengthen your self-control.

Keep a cravings diary –  In here you can make notations on your mood, cravings, new information that you come across, contacts, progress, weak moments and resolution, and of course – a plan to help you quit, by decreasing the intake of cigarettes.  This diary will help you pinpoint any important patterns or associations that you may discover between your habit and circumstances and thoughts.  It can provide clues that will help you achieve your goal.

Remove temptation – Temptation here refers to one cigarette – it is the cigarette that you are not supposed to have – according to your written plan.  It is the cigarette at 10 am, which you cut out of your schedule, or cigarette # 5, as you are only allowing four cigarettes a day for the next 3 days.  It is the cigarette that will spoil your success.

Tell your family and friends about your decision not to smoke.  Ask for their support and collaboration.  Since they know that you are committed to quit, you will think twice about lighting that cigarette in their presence.

Clean your environment –  Your house, clothes, car, and even pets and kids will smell of cigarette smoke.  Try to remove the lingering odor and clean the air.  The least you smell it, the least you will crave it.  Do laundry, shampoo your rugs, bathe your pets, and deep clean your car.

Get information about the effects of smoking, tools, new breakthroughs, and support groups.  You can find many resources online.

Do you feel that you need medication to help you quit?  Talk to your Doctor about it.  There are many new and improved drugs to reduce the stress and withdrawal effects that you may be experiencing.

Get involved in hobbies or activities, which can take the place of a cigarette.  Most likely, you will feel more energized because you are starting to breathe better and will want to keep busy while having fun.

Designate a pal to call and talk to when you are having a bad time resisting that cigarette.  He/she will remind you how much you have accomplished so far and will get your mind on another path.

These are a few things to keep in mind, which will help you stay on track to achieve your goal of quitting smoking.  Come up with other activities that you can enjoy to make the road to quitting day less rough.