The smoke from cigarettes consists of more than 4,000 chemicals and they do significant damage to your body as you continue to smoke. Smoking significantly increases your chances of developing cancer or heart disease. Women interested in quitting smoking are in for a difficult road. However, whether this is the first time you're trying to stop or you're interested in trying again, there are things you can do to significantly increase your chances of success.
Step 1
Determine your personal motivations for quitting and write them down. You'll be tempted to smoke countless times. Use your driving motivations to push through those temptations. Some possible reasons you may have for quitting include financial savings, improved breathing and a decreased personal risk for serious health issues like cancer. Mothers may want to set a better example for their families or other important people around them and decrease the secondhand smoke they cause others to ingest. Whenever you're tempted to smoke, pull out your list.
Step 2
Set the date that you will stop smoking ahead of time. Doing so will help you be more mentally prepared for the change.
Step 3
Recruit the help of your friends and family. You are likely to feel more accountable when you tell others that you're quitting. Your friends and family can also serve as a support group to go to when you're feeling tempted or down and can help you stick to your goals.
Step 4
Understand what symptoms you will be facing once you quit. According to Smokefree.gov, those who start smoking again usually do so within three months because of the withdrawal symptoms they feel during that time. It's likely you'll suffer from anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, headaches, weight gain, dizziness and depression. Knowing ahead of time that you may face these symptoms can make you better equipped to handle them if they do occur.
Step 5
Find an alternative break activity. It's typical for women to smoke when they're stressed, bored or just need to take a break. Chew sugarless gum or suck on hard candy to help relieve the desire for oral stimulation.
Step 6
Get rid of all your cigarettes and lighters. Clean out your purse, house, car, desk at work and any other place where you could have a cigarette stash.
Tips and Warnings
- You can deploy certain tactics to keep from smoking when you crave a cigarette. In addition to keeping small snacks like candy or gum around, try changing your environment. Moving to another room or going outside can help take your mind off wanting a cigarette. Take deep breaths and relax. If you do have a cigarette, analyze why and when you were unable to fight the temptation and make adjustments accordingly.
- Some medications are available that can ease withdrawal symptoms, but women, especially those who are pregnant or plan to be, should consult their doctor before taking any drugs.
Things You'll Need
- Calendar
- Candies or gum
