Are you quitting smoking for the first time, or having another crack at it? Here are some tips to help you quit for good.
1. Set a quit date
Pick a date to quit smoking in the next two weeks. Mark it in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Try to stick to it.
The night before quitting, do a cigarette detox. Chuck your cigarettes in the bin. Round up all your ashtrays (don't forget to empty the ones in your car).
You might want something healthy to snack on throughout the next day: chop up some veggie sticks. Make sure you have a bottle of water handy. Pumpkin seeds or similar are also good because they keep your hands busy.
2. Plan for cravings
Expect to have cravings in the first few weeks of quitting. Being prepared does make it easier. And the good news is: cravings only last a few minutes. Think of them as a five-minute window to distract yourself. Take the pooch for a walk, sing at the top of your lungs or prepare some healthy snacks. Don't forget the 4Ds: delay acting on a craving, deep breathe, drink water, do something else.
3. Speak to your doctor
Speak to your doctor and let them know you want to quit. You can access reduced cost stop smoking medications like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or prescribed tablets with a prescription. This means even more money in your pocket from quitting smoking! Plus, research has shown that using either stop smoking medications , together with Quitline, is the most effective way to quit. If using NRT, combining the nicotine patch with a faster-acting type like mouth spray, gum or lozenge is the most effective. See Talking to your doctor about quitting.
4. Get your mates on board
Tell your mates you have decided to quit, especially the ones who still smoke. That way they can offer you support. You could even enlist one of your smoking friends to quit with you!
When you quit with someone else, your chances of successfully quitting are greater.
5. Call Quitline on 13 7848
Like the idea of a personal trainer to help you quit? Our Quitline counsellors are a great go-to for advice no matter what stage of quitting you are at. Give them a call or request a callback for ongoing help.
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