Tips for Quitting Smoking

As a smoker, you might feel that you are in a perpetual state of trying to quit. Over the years as the dangers of smoking have become clearer and clearer, many public anti-smoking initiatives have made the habit something to feel guilty about. Still, smoking is an addiction, and quitting is always easier said than done. If you have been on the fence about quitting, November may be the best time to kick the habit with the support of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, which is a day that encourages smokers to take charge of their health and stop smoking for good. With the tips below, you can ensure your success as you rally support through family, friends, and the millions of other smokers who choose to quit this November.

Know why you want to quit.

It may sound obvious, but take a couple of minutes to jot down why you want to quit, whether it’s for practical or emotional reasons – or both! If you start having a tough time staying the course, refer back to your written list – it can help reaffirm your motives and stay strong.

Change your daily routine

For many smokers, cigarettes are part of a daily routine, which means that traditions like a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon work break can trigger the urge to smoke. Therefore, you might change up your routine to curb your cravings and establish healthier habits. For example, you might take a walk instead of a cigarette break, or treat yourself to morning coffee at a local coffee shop with the money you save on cigarettes.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help

There is no reason to go at it alone when you quit smoking. Aside from seeking encouragement from friends, family, and coworkers, you might explore solutions with your doctor that can help you quit. A quick visit with a MeMD physician can get you on the right track with a prescription drug, like Chantix, which is used to assist in smoking cessation when medically necessary.

Keep a healthy snack on hand

The threat of weight gain often holds smokers back from quitting, because snacking can be a more frequent urge to replace the vice of cigarettes. Staying prepared with healthy snacks on hand can allow you to reduce cravings and keep your weight in check while you fight the urge to smoke.

Find therapeutic stress relief

A common reason to smoke is to relieve stress, so finding ways to fight stress more effectively can help you live happily without cigarettes. Massage, exercise, and journaling can all be great ways to manage stress without relying on the immediate relief of smoking. You might also have more room to splurge on these indulgences as you stop spending money on cigarettes.

As you start your journey to quit smoking, check in with MeMD to seek the medical support you need to succeed. Once you do quit, you might also schedule a consultation with your primary physician to see just how much your health has improved as a result of smoking cessation.