With the start of a new year, comes a new round of resolutions. We've all made them at one point in our lives, and we all know how hard they are to keep. Surveys suggest quitting smoking consistently ranks in the top 10 resolutions people make each year.
There are a lot of ways to quit smoking and many resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers are supportive or encouraging, but the true desire and commitment to quit must be your own.
Roseann Wetzel, Respiratory Therapy Manager at Francisican Physicians Hospital, understands how difficult it is to stop, but also knows that anyone can do it by setting achievable goals and following some useful recommendations:
Create a Plan
- Set a specific quit date. If it is a New Year's Resolution, deciding on a date after the stressful holidays is a great starting point.
- Make a list of top 10 reasons to quit (health benefits, cost savings, etc.). This can be a useful motivational tool.
- Get your family, friends and co-workers involved in your plan. Let them know of your start date
Change Your Lifestyle and Activities
- During the times in which you smoked, take a walk, play a game, solve a crossword puzzle. Activities that involve your hands and brain can curb your urge and distract you from wanting to smoke.
- Remove ashtrays from your home and car.
- Get more exercise. Not only does physical activity help you quit smoking, it also reduces the risk for weight gain.
- Instead of reaching for a cigarette, choose a piece of fruit, vegetables or a stick of gum.
- Frequent public places where smoking is not allowed.
Classes, Support Groups, Medications
- Enroll in a smoking cessation program.
- Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (800-784-8669), the Indiana stop smoking hot line with one-on-one advice.
- Talk to your doctor about prescription medications and/or over the counter medications (such as nicotine patches and gum) that are safe and appropriate for you.
- Find out about nicotine patches, gum and sprays.
Reward Yourself
- Saving the money you would have spent on cigarettes gives you a great opportunity to buy something you have been wanting for a while, or you can donate the money to your favorite charity.
Remember, in order to stick to your plan, take it one day at time. It is easy to get discouraged. If you find that one strategy isn't working, don't give up completely; try something new. So whether you are a lifelong smoker or have recently picked up the habit, now is a perfect time to quit.
For more tips on how to quit smoking and other health and wellness information, read our In-Depth Report on Smoking online at franciscanphysicianshospital.com.
Franciscan Physicians Hospital has partnered with the American Heart Association to bring you the Heart Health Minute - 60 seconds of information to keep your heart beating in the right direction. 