The Sounds of Advice #62: Quitting Smoking



Tips for quitting smoking:

Aisling: Quitting smoking can be hard. It's an addiction, not just to the nicotine but also the habits developed with being a smoker.

For example, some people feed the need to smoke after a meal, while they're driving, having one as soon as they wake up, or even feeling the need for one because of stress.
In order to help break these habits you can try to replace them with healthier habits such as chewing a piece of gum after a meal, treat yourself to something after each week of not smoking.

Sandy: Quitting anything is hard, but smoking seems to be one tons of people struggle with. However, here are a few tips to maybe help you.

First, be sure to have awesome supporters! Having support in this will help you. If you don't have any support from close friends and family. Reach out to a Facebook group. If you can't find one, make one. Support will be a huge part in quitting!!

Find something to help you not think about it. A lot of people I know that have quit chewed gum. Something to keep your mind off needing a smoke.

The patches have worked for some other friends I have as well. Honestly, because everyone is different and different things work for some may not always work for others. You just have to find what will work best for you.

I have even known a few people who cut cold turkey. You know you better than anyone so find something that works for you and stick with it. Fall back on your support if you need to!

Michaelle: 1. Make a plan for quitting. The sooner you quit the sooner your body will start to repair itself.
2. If you have tried to quit before, don't look at your failures. Take what worked before and incorporate into your new plan.
3. Have a support group of family and friends that know your plan for quitting, so they can help encourage you to your goal.
4. Speak to your doctor about possible medications, patches, and gum that may assist. Also, ask if behavioral counseling may be helpful for your circumstance.
5. The American Lung Association says everyone can quit with the correct combination of techniques. For further information, 1-800-LUNGUSA.

Kate: 1. Find Your Reason
2. Prepare Before You Go “Cold Turkey”
3. Consider Nicotine-Replacement Therapy
4. Learn About Prescription Pills
5. Lean on Your Loved Ones
6. Give Yourself a Break
7. Avoid Alcohol and Other Triggers
8. Clean House
9. Try and Try Again
10. Get Moving
11. Eat Fruits and Veggies
12. Choose Your Reward
13. Remember That Time Is on Your Side

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