Quitting Smoking Starts With A Plan

Create Your Quit Smoking Plan

Every plan is different, just like every person. You have learned how addicted you are to nicotine, and that is a good start to figure out the best way to quit smoking for you.

Start by asking yourself:

• Why you smoke?
• When you smoke?
• Why do you want to quit?

Set A Quit Date

Studies show that picking a day with some personal significance will increase your chances of success.  Pick a day in the not too distance future, but if yourself enough time to get prepared, mentally and with the right help.

Try One Of These Days:

• Birthday
• Anniversary
• New Years
• Starting a new job
• Buying a new car
• Find A Reason To Quit Smoking

This is crucial! Quitting smoking is difficult, so if you don’t have a very clear reason why you want to quit and keep that reason in mind, it will get difficult.

Some common reasons:

• Your health
• Your children’s health
• Being a good example for your kids
• Saving money for something big
• Spending time with grandchildren

Get Rid Of Everything Related To Smoking

As your quit date approaches, remove everything in your life that reminds you of smoking. This will help minimize the temptations to smoke and help you change your routines and habits. Throw it all away!

Remove from your house:

• Cigarettes
• Ashtrays
• Lighters/matches
• Smells from car & house

Figure Out Your Triggers To Smoke

We all have our triggers to smoke. Figure out when, why, where, with whom, you smoke so that you can prepare yourself mentally for those triggers.

Possible triggers:

• With morning coffee
• Driving
• Stress at work
• Drinks with friends

Have a replacement for smoking cigarettes ready to go!

Figure Out Your Coping Mechanisms

When you figure out your triggers to smoke, then you can figure out what to do when you have the urge. The best way to quit smoking is to replace the habit. If you can do the same different habit every time you are triggered to smoke, after a few weeks you will have created a new habit.

Possible coping strategies:

• Find a habit replacement
• Text a friend
• Use a smoking cessation app

Stick With Your Plan & Reward Yourself!

Quitting is tough, but if you stick with your plan you will be successful!  It is also important to reward yourself. Come up with a list of nice things to do for yourself to help reinforce the positive changes you are making to your life.

Possible rewards:

• Good foods
• A movie you have wanted to watch
• Spa day
• Plan a trip!