As a former smoker, I know how impossible it can seem to quit, especially if you’ve been smoking for 10, 20, 50 years or more. For many people, it was that first cigarette that hooked them, and they haven’t turned back since. However, it’s a good idea to quit smoking, and although it won’t be an easy battle, you can make it through the other side and live a life without cigarettes.
When you’re quitting, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what you should do. To explain what we mean, we have a list of the 17 things you should never do if you’re trying to quit smoking.
There are many things that we recommend that you avoid while trying to quit smoking, including trying to quit without a plan, trying to quit while still following the same daily habits, and quitting without the proper support network. We also recommend avoiding several scenarios that can make it easy to want to smoke, like watching movies where people smoke or keeping your ashtrays lying around while you’re trying to keep the idea of smoking out of your head.
Yes, there are many things you should not do when you’re trying to quit smoking and we hope you take this list to heart. With that said, there are other things that you should consider doing. Sometimes, going on a nature hike or traveling can take your mind off of your smoking habit. If you’re looking for places to visit that will help you keep your mind at ease, then consider this list of breathtaking places you never knew existed.
Don’t Try Quitting Without A Reason
Smoking can have such a strong hold on us that it can be nearly impossible to quit without enough willpower. One way to increase your chances of kicking the habit is to have a reason or motivation to quit. That could be because you have a child on the way, you’re planning to run a marathon, or you just want to breathe easier. If you have a reason to quit, it’s easier to do so, even if you try to quit cold turkey. It’s not guaranteed to work, but you give yourself a much better chance.
Never Try Quitting Without A Plan
Cigarette packet
It is possible to stop smoking overnight, but you should have some type of plan leading up to that time. Your plan could be as simple as skipping breaks at work so you’re not tempted to smoke or trying a patch instead. Technology can be a big help here. There are many quit-smoking apps and classes you can take, and you’ll have a support system to be there for you from day one. There’s also hypnosis, meditation, and more. You can also mix and match different plans and see what works for your best chance of success.
Avoid Going To Old Smoking Hangouts
Whenever you’re trying to quit a bad habit, the last thing you want to do is hang out with people who are doing that same bad habit. If you used to smoke outside during breaks at work, take your breaks in the lunchroom instead. If you used to hang out at a local bar or club and smoke, don’t go there until you have your habit under control. You should probably avoid hanging out with certain people as well. Or, find people who will respect your wishes and not smoke when they’re around you or offer you cigarettes.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Many people who smoke also drink Alcohol. In fact, there are people who only smoke when they drink. If you’re trying to give yourself the best chance to quit smoking and you also drink, then try to limit your drinking. It’s sure to be a trigger that will have you reaching for that leftover pack of smokes. If you’re trying to go for a completely clean bill of health, then also try to quit drinking Alcohol, but know your limits. It can be hard to quit two things at once.
Don’t Snub The Idea Of Nicotine Replacement Products
There are many reasons why we get hooked on smoking. Part of it is the routine you used to follow, the oral fixation, or the physical and mental hand-to-mouth sensation that smoking provides. The other issue is the existence of nicotine and the hold it has on us. Nicotine gum and nicotine patches can be helpful. They get you out of your typical routine of lighting cigarettes, but you’re not getting withdrawals. You’re not meant to be on the patch or gum forever, but they can be a suitable replacement for the time being.
Don’t Forget About Prescriptions
3d render of probiotic pills in bottle isolated over white background
If you’re trying to quit smoking but you’re having trouble with the patch or gum, then you might want to talk to a doctor who can prescribe helpful medications. There are two medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration. One of them is bupropion, which affects the brain and decreases cravings. There’s also varenicline, which mimics the feeling of nicotine without the nicotine. It also reduces the enjoyment you get from smoking, so you’re less likely to try. Prescription pills should probably be a last resort, but if they help you to quit, then they’re worth it.
Don’t Forget There Are Other Substitutes For Cigarettes
If you want to try to quit smoking by cutting nicotine out completely, then don’t forget about the other things you can put in your mouth that aren’t as deadly. Many people try chewing on toothpicks, straws, and even cinnamon sticks when they have a craving to put a cigarette in their mouths. It’s all about having something in your hand and mouth. These alternatives can help you to cope with the mental anguish associated with quitting nicotine.
Don’t Do It Alone
You have your best chances to quit smoking when you have a support group to help you along. Don’t try to do this alone if you don’t think you can pull it off. Your spouse, friends, and loved ones will likely be excited that you are going to quit smoking, especially if they don’t smoke themselves. Find people that you can call when you’re having cravings. Talk to people you know who have successfully quit smoking and ask what they did to pull it off, and then follow their lead and see if it works for you.
Don’t Get Stressed
A multi-ethnic group of adult men and women are indoors in a fitness studio. They are wearing casual clothing while at a yoga class. A senior Caucasian woman is smiling while stretching out her arms.
Many people also choose to smoke because they’re stressed at work or at home. If you’re trying to quit smoking, try not to do so while also trying to complete a complex project at work, buying a house, or any other mentally draining activity. While you should still try to cut down during those stressful life situations, trying to quit completely may be close to impossible. When that stressful situation passes, try quitting again. If you feel like you’re always stressed, then you may want to speak to a therapist so you can get to the bottom of your anxiety.
Don’t Leave Reminders Around
If you’re really serious about quitting smoking, then when you throw out your last pack of cigarettes, also throw out all the reminders around your home. Go through your house and your car, remove all ashtrays, and safely throw out all of your lighters. Also, it’s best to clean your carpets, the draperies, and anything else that smells like smoke around your home because if you smell it, you’ll be reminded of smoking. If you’re like many people, you also probably smoked a lot in your car, so clean that out as well.
Don’t Give Up
Many people try to quit smoking but fail their first time and decide that it’s just too hard to quit, and so they don’t try again. That’s a shame. Even if you follow all of the advice on this list, quitting smoking is not easy, and for many, it will take several attempts to finally kick the habit. If you dedicate your mind to quitting, you will eventually succeed. If you tried quitting but failed, then set a date in a month or so for when you plan to quit again and give it another try.
Don’t Try Dieting At The Same Time
It’s important to not try to do too much when you’re attempting to quit cigarettes. Some people try to eat healthy by reaching for a cigarette instead of a bag of chips. However, try to avoid dieting while you quit smoking. It might be too much for you to handle at once. Instead, you can try to stay fit by eating more fruits and vegetables. Eating a carrot or piece of celery can fulfill that oral fixation. They’re tasty and you won’t be harming your body in the process.
Don’t Stay On The Cigarette Manufacturer’s Mailing List
If you’re like me, then as a smoker, you may have been on the mailing list for Marlboro, Camel, Newport, and every other company under the sun. In addition to giving you coupons for cigarettes, many of these websites also have contests and giveaways, and it can be fun to win things. However, if you’re trying to quit, the last thing you need is to get an email reminding you that you used to smoke. Remove yourself from their mailing lists. You’ll cut down the temptation greatly, and over time, you’ll forget all about those companies.
Don’t Go Into The Gas Station For Awhile
As a smoker, it’s common to stop at the gas station for a pack of smokes on the way to work, home, or anywhere else you go. When you’re trying to quit smoking, if you walk into the gas station and see that wall of cigarettes behind the counter, you may be tempted to ask for your favorite brand. For now, while you’re trying to quit smoking, maybe consider paying for your gas at the pump. Then, be on your way. If you want to buy snacks or a drink, go to the grocery store instead.
Don’t Forget How Much Money You’ll Save
As the years go by, cigarettes get more expensive. These days, it’s not uncommon to pay close to $15 for a single pack of smokes. When you’re addicted, you’ll pay anything to get your fix. But if you really want to quit, think about how much money you’ll save. Many people spend thousands of dollars over the course of a year on their habit. Imagine if you spent that much money on a new car or a new TV. Rewarding yourself for quitting smoking is a great way to avoid the habit for good.
Don’t Forget How Deadly Smoking Can Be
Another major motivation that can help you to quit smoking is remembering just how deadly and unhealthy smoking can be. In addition to the chance of dying of cancer, there are other ailments that inhaling smoke can cause. They include breathing, heart, and blood pressure issues. You’re unlikely to live as many years as your friends and family who do not smoke. It’s also easier to quit smoking when you’re having a child. You won’t want to ruin the pregnancy or your child’s chances of a healthy life because of your smoking.
Don’t Watch Movies Where The Actors Smoke
When I was quitting, one thing that made it so hard was when I was watching a movie where the actors smoked. Hollywood does their best to make smoking look cool, at least to the people who smoke in real life. To people who don’t smoke, it’s repulsive. Still, when you’re trying to quit smoking, and you see others doing it, especially when you’re there alone watching a movie, it can be hard to ignore the craving. For movies that can take your mind off of your battle with cigarettes, check out the highest-grossing comedies of all time.