Well done if you’re considering quitting smoking; the first step is over! But knowing what comes next can feel overwhelming and confusing because there are many factors to consider.
So check out these four things to consider when you want to stop and stop for good! Your mind will be more at ease, so you can focus on stopping via your chosen method!
1. Vapes
Stopping “cold turkey” is a method many have tried, but it only works for a handful of people. So first, consider where you’re at and what you might need to quit. If it’s never to smoke again and go cold turkey, follow your instinct.
If you think that might be too hard, consider vaping as an intermediate solution to quitting. While it still isn’t as healthy as not smoking anything, many smoking cessation programs now include vapes as an option for weaning off of cigarettes. Some options, such as the WAKA disposable vape, can last as long as a traditional pack.
Smoking cessation experts recommend swapping cigarettes for vapes because e-cigarettes don’t have the same harmful substances found in tobacco cigarettes, like tar. However, they still contain nicotine, meaning the addictive chemical is still present.
Vaping isn’t for everyone, but many smokers switch to vaping early in their journey toward being smoke-free.
2. Set SMART Goals
As with any goal, writing it down is the first step. But saying, “I want to quit smoking,” isn’t a SMART goal. SMART breaks down into:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant/Realistic
- Timed
Once you’ve decided to stop, think about how to make this adhere to the acronym. For example:
- Specific – What kind of smoking are you stopping?
- Measurable – How long are you setting your first goal for?
- Achievable – How many cigarettes are you cutting down to?
- Relevant – What are your coping mechanisms?
- Timed – What day is your quit date?
This might result in: “I’m quitting cigarette smoking for a week, reducing my cigarettes to 1 per day, exercising and using patches to help me, starting from the 1st of July”.
You instantly have a more achievable goal. Once that goal is complete, could you move on to the next?
3. Finding Support
Tell your friends and family—whoever your support network is—that you’re stopping. It helps you stay accountable and means that you aren’t alone in this quitting journey. At times it’ll feel like a huge challenge, so having the support of loved ones is paramount.
Not everyone can do this, however, so if you want to stop, finding alternative support modes, such as local stopping-smoking groups or using a quitline, is essential.
4. Track Your Triggers and Cravings
Using pen and paper or an app, track your progress to see how you’re moving closer and closer to your goal! And follow what causes your cravings so you can get to the root of the problem.
Get Started!
Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you from achieving your quitting goals! By considering these four areas, you’ll soon find the task more manageable.
