• Never skip meals. Your body needs energy!
• But be sure to snack smart: celery, carrot sticks, nuts, and seeds. Munchies keep your mouth busy.
• Increase exercise to get the endorphins going.
• Stay away from triggers – smoking hangouts and smoking-break buddies.
• Get plenty of rest. Set aside time for napping and relaxing. You’re allowed!
• Take a meditation/breathing class – for peace of mind, and to enjoy your lungs.
• Collect all lighters, leftover packs of cigarettes, and ashtrays and toss ‘em.
• Clean the home or car to celebrate your new beginning.
• Commit to seeing supportive friends and relatives. Put them on your calendar.
• Call yourself a non-smoker.
• Enjoy yourself. Call on friends when you feel low. Go to the movies and try new activities. Again, put these on your calendar to force yourself not to wimp out.
• Think positive: Focus not on what you’re giving up, but what you’re gaining.
• Take all cigarette butts for two weeks prior to quitting and put in a jar with water. When the urge arises, open the jar and take a deep breath!
• Write it down! Write down “I want to be a lifelong non-smoker” or “I can change my behavior.” Say it enough times and you’ll start to believe it.
• Keep a list of reasons why you want to be a non-smoker visible in your house, in the car or at work.
• Avoid tempting situations (i.e. your favorite smoking chair.)
• Join a support group or ask friends for additional support. Quitting is tough stuff; don’t go at it alone.
• Use other stress relieving activities: a relaxing bath, music, reading, walking, massage, or acupuncture.