Ready…Set…Stop!
Once you’ve made the final decision to quit, the hard part is over! The important thing is to set a firm Quit Date and stick to it. Once you’ve done that, here are five ways you can help yourself get ready for the big day.
Count Down. Each time you light up, remind yourself that you’ve made the final decision. Count off the number of days/packs/cigarettes left until you become a non-smoker for the rest of your life. Each time you extinguish a cigarette, remind yourself that you’re that much closer to crushing out the smoking habit forever.
Pay Attention. Stop everything else and think only about smoking if you’re smoking. Don’t do anything else at the same time. Don’t talk, watch TV, read or drink. If you’re driving, pull over. Focus on each and every puff of every cigarette — what it tastes like, how it feels, what it really means as something separate from any other activity.
Make A List of reasons you decided to quit, or whatever comes to mind about smoking. What do you get from it? What do you hate about it? What do you look forward to about being a nonsmoker? How will it impact people close to you? How will you reward yourself as a nonsmoker for one month? One year? Five years?
Clean Up after yourself in advance. Remember you’ll be a nonsmoker when you leave your session or seminar. If you smoked in your car, home or workplace, give them a good cleaning. Vacuum for ashes, deodorize fabrics, don’t forget the scummy glass residue on car windows, TV’s & computers. Notice what a disgusting habit you’re giving up, and thank yourself for choosing a cleaner way of life.
Say Goodbye. Whether you gradually cut down as you near your quit date, or whether you smoke as much as you like, just make sure you say your final farewell to smoking in a way that leaves no room for doubt. At this point, there is no need for worry or guilt, you can relax in the knowledge that you have made the decision, you have set the date, and you will soon become a nonsmoker for the rest of your life.
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I almost never hear people mention online support groups to stop smoking. Places such as quit smoking forums can help you to quit with no other methods. Got an urge, just make a thread and get support. It helps! Just give it a try, you will be quite surprised the amount of people would attempt to help you quit.
You are quite right .. if you want to quit smoking, good interpersonal support can be very helpful. Sometimes all that is needed is a supportive spouse or friend, sometimes it can be very helpful to work with a group. That could be a formally organized group, or a casual group like an internet forum, such as this one. Some people find that professional support (from a tobacco cessation expert) can be the most helpful support of all.
Thanks for the input — I believe I’ll modify the article above to include reference to getting support. The only reason it doesn’t currently say that is because this article was originally written for my private clients, who have already signed up to receive direct professional support!
— Frank