Quitting smoking can be a tough and long process, but you’re not alone.
Congratulations on your decision to stop smoking. There is an overload of information out there which is why we’ve used our experience and research to outline 5 Steps to a Successful Quit Week.
Approach your quit week with a plan to ensure your success!
1. Set a Quit Date & Tell Someone
Intentionally set a quit date. This is a big change in your life, and that requires good planning. Check your calendar and consider quitting on a day without temptations or stressors.
Some people tell the world about their quit journey. If going public is what keeps you motivated, then go for it! Tweet it, Facebook it, Instagram it.
If you do this, definitely shoot us a message on social media: Twitter , Instagram, Facebook. We’ll cheer for you!
Keep in mind, you don’t have to go public with your big life decision; however, it is recommended you tell at least one person. Once you’ve set a quit date, tell at least one person who will help to hold you accountable. This can be your coworker, sister, or the barista you see everyday. It just needs to be a person who knows you and will check in on your progress.
2. Identify Your Triggers
Figuring out what makes you want to quit is part of your quit plan. Grab a notepad and jot down your top 3 reasons to quit smoking. Tear this out and keep it in your wallet until further notice.
On this same notepad – or, you can get fancy and buy a journal – write down your triggers. Triggers are the things that make you want to smoke, and they are different for everyone. Some examples include a stressful situation, going to a birthday party, watching TV, or smelling cigarette smoke. These are circumstances and feelings you want to try to avoid, or at least plan for, in the first few days of quitting smoking.
Now, make a list of distractions. When there’s too much down time, the mind can wander. The key is to identify distractions from smoking that can help you to focus on something else until cravings pass. Some of these distractions should be available wherever you go, so you can turn to them any time.
3. Choose a Quit Smoking Aid
You don’t have to go through this alone. Nicotine addiction overwhelms your decision-making abilities and impulses, which is why it’s highly recommended you go in to your Quit Week with help!
Review the smoking cessation products available on the market to see what is the right one for you. Talk with your doctor about options, peruse the internet to see what’s out there. You may decide to use medication, NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) products, or nicotine-free products that help you quit.
QuitGo has natural, safe, and nicotine-free, smoking cessation aids. Check out our line of products here.
4. Toss Out Reminders
Tossing out all reminders of your exes is a healthy way to move on.
Breaking up with cigarettes is no different.
Go through your house, your car, and your workplace to collect everything that has to do with smoking. This includes lighters, ashtrays, and cigarette packs. Place your quit journal/notepad or calendar in a noticeable place in your home or workplace as a reminder of your quitting goals.
Before your Quit Day, do at least 1 load of laundry including a few items of commonly worn clothing and your pillowcases. Waking up to fresh smells and wearing clean clothes that don’t smell like smoke will help keep your mind off cigarettes as you start your day.
It also helps to place a smoking cessation aid in your car, so you don’t forget it as you rush out the door for work on Day 1! (Side note: all QuitGo products are travel-friendly and TSA approved)
3. Ready, Set, Go!
You’ve done the work, thought through your quit plan, and now you’re ready to mindfully start your quit journey.
You got this!
If you ever need support, feel free to reach out to QuitGo or join our community Facebook page.
Keep in mind – it often takes smokers 7-10 tries to successfully quit smoking. If you’re still trying, you haven’t failed.
Hang in there, the benefits are so worth it!!
Start your quit journey with us today. Select your smoking cessation aid here and join our Facebook Community for ongoing support.
