Every year in the United States, more than 400,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses, according to the National Cancer Institute. Smoking increases an individual’s risk for certain types of cancer and respiratory ailments. Secondhand smoke can also harm family members, children and others who live with a smoker. Helping your wife quit smoking is one of the best things you can do to help improve her physical and mental health.
Step 1
Tell your wife why you support her efforts to quit smoking. Let her know you care about her health and well-being and that you want her in your life for a long time. If you have children, emphasize their need for a healthy mother as well as a good role model. Be supportive and refrain from scolding her, which might make her feel stressed or ashamed.
Step 2
Give up one of your bad habits. Set a personal goal of refraining from eating sweets or junk food, watching TV, drinking alcohol or any other habit that prevents you from being in healthy mental or physical condition. If you’re a smoker, the best way to support your wife is to give up smoking with her. Let her know you’re giving up your bad habit permanently and chart your progress together.
Step 3
Ask her to make a list of her smoking triggers. Smokers often reach for a cigarette when they’re feeling stressed, anxious or elated. For some people, caffeine or alcohol triggers the need to smoke. Find out which circumstances or substances make your wife want to smoke, then work on reducing or eliminating these triggers from the home and her life in general.
Step 4
Help her clear your home of any reminders of smoking. Throw out ashtrays, lighters and matches. If your wife smokes inside the home, wash all linens, curtains and clothing thoroughly, and clean and disinfect surfaces, including walls, cabinets and counters. Make the home smell fresh and inviting to help deter her from smoking inside the house. If she smokes inside her car, help her thoroughly clean the interior and toss out the car lighter and ashtray.
Step 5
Take her to places where smoking is not permitted. Go with her to the movies, bookstores or other shops, restaurants and libraries. To keep her mind off smoking, spend as much time as you can with her in smoke-free establishments that are pleasurable and entertaining.
Step 6
Take long walks, jog or go to the gym with her. Set weight-loss or fitness goals together. Regular exercise can help reduce the likelihood of weight gain after someone quits smoking. If you feel you or your wife need guidance or advice before starting an exercise program, make an appointment with your doctor or with a personal trainer.
Step 7
Reward her efforts. Give your wife a gift or take her out to a nice dinner each week that she’s smoke-free. Ask her to place the money she normally spends on cigarettes in a jar or box, and use this money to reward her as well. Let her know in advance that you’ll be rewarding her this way so she’ll have a regular goal to attain. Support her with kind words and let her know how proud you are that she’s made the effort to quit smoking.
