Once you have a
quit date, it's good to set some smaller goals to practise for the real thing.
Try quitting for only one day.
Experiment by not smoking at times when you normally would, such as:
- at the pub
- when you're having a break with other smokers at work
- with your morning coffee.
Changing some other habits before your quit date may also help you prepare to stop smoking:
- Make your home and car smokefree. Choose an outdoor spot to smoke that is comfortable, but away from anything interesting.
- If your partner smokes, suggest that he or she stops too, or only smokes outside the house.
- Try holding the cigarette between different fingers or in a different hand when you smoke.
- Refuse all offers of cigarettes from others
- Don't carry a lighter with you. Having to ask or hunt for a light will put you off some of those cigarettes
- If you like to smoke with others, always smoke alone. If you watch TV while smoking, don't smoke in front of the box from now on.
Make a note of the times that were especially tough and the things that helped you. You can use what you learn from these experiences to help you when you quit smoking for real.
Remember: The more you understand your weaknesses and how to deal with them, the better prepared you'll be for quitting.