Your New Year's resolution to quit smoking may have sounded like a good idea at the time, but you may now be wondering if you can actually give up your cigarette habit. Developing a plan before you quit can help ensure your success. While quitting won't be easy, you can take steps to increase your chances of keeping your resolution and starting the New Year smoke-free.
Pick a Date
Choosing a date to stop smoking is an important first step in quitting smoking, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Pick less-stressful times of the week, such as weekends or any time you have a day off from work, for your stop-smoking target date. Spread the word that you will quit smoking on your target day. Friends and family members can help support your in your goal and remind you of the reasons that you want to quit smoking.
Destroy Your Cigarettes
When your target date arrives, remove any remaining cigarettes from your home. Destroy cigarettes so that you won't be tempted to raid the trash if you are overcome with the urge for just one last cigarette. Throw out ash trays and lighters and air out your house to get rid of cigarette smoke odors. Don't forget to also remove cigarettes and ash trays from your desk at work and your car. Stay away from other smokers when you first stop smoking to avoid temptation.
Replace Cigarettes
If you've been a smoker for years, you may have gotten used to constantly having something in your hands. While holding a pen or small ball in your hand isn't the same thing as holding a cigarette, keeping an object in your hand can help you feel less lost without your cigarettes. Buy a supply of hard candy, gum, toothpicks or carrots and use one of these items when you miss putting a cigarette in your mouth.
Support Systems
Take advantage of your support system whenever you feel as if you just can't resist the urge to smoke. Call friends and relatives whenever you feel that you may not be able to keep your New Year's resolution. Consider joining online support groups for help from your fellow quitters. LIVESTRONG.com's Dare to Quit Smoking forum provides tips and support from other people who are trying to stop smoking (see Resources).
Avoid Temptation
The American Heart Association recommends that you avoid temptation by going to places that don't allow smoking. Spending time in stores, movie theaters, museums and libraries can help you occupy your time. Now is the time to completely change any routines associated with smoking. If you have always enjoyed a cigarette after dinner, leave the table immediately and do the dishes or take a walk. Exercising not only provides something to do other than smoking, it also helps you reduce the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
Nicotine Replacement
Consider using a nicotine replacement system to help you quit. Nicotine replacement systems are available in patch, gum or lozenge forms at drugstores. When you use one of these methods, small doses of nicotine are delivered to your body, reducing the craving for a cigarette. As time goes on, you will use patches or gum with lower concentrations of nicotine until you no longer need nicotine. Nicotine is the ingredient in cigarettes that causes addiction.
