"Don't be a Quitter", Does Not Apply Here!

It's time again for a gentle reminder: that the best thing you could do for your health is quit smoking (if you smoke that is).

You probably don't want to hear the harsh reality of all the health problems smoking is causing yourself and others.  But if you do, check out this list.  Here are some other reasons that are not health related, but are still motivating factors:

- the cost (where could that money be going?)

- all the non-smokers (4 out of 5 people)

- the inconvenience (outside on a cold day, fitting a smoke in before a meeting)

- the smell

Smoking is a very powerful addiction, so everyone needs different motivation and at different times.  Hopefully for some of you this will be the time, and this will be the right motivation.  If you want to take another stab at quitting, here are some helpful tips:

- Write down the reason why you want to quit smoking

- Take note on who else will benefit from you quitting

- Write down some of your concerns about quitting - one of them will probably be dealing with withdraw (see next tip)

- Prepare for withdraw - think about the times you have gone without a cigarette for long periods of time and how that felt.  Write down ways that you can cope with withdraw, such as breathing, drinking water, going for a walk, eating a carrot

- Make a plan for some "pro-life" changes that will be fun and rewarding, such as exercise, playing sports, reading, going on trips, eating better, etc.

- Put the money you would spend on cigarettes in a jar or bank account

- Get support from friends and family - have them on board for your quit date

- Try a smoking cessation product such as Nicotinex

- Read one of the most popular books ever written on the topic, Allen Carr's, EasyWay

- Check out some of the following sites for further information and support:

http://www.quitnow.info.au/

http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/

http://www.smokingisugly.com/main.html 

If you decide the time is now to quit, make it as easy as possible on yourself with proper preparation. You know that ex-smokers are very thankful, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.