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What Are You Doing To Stay Smoke-Free?

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  1. merline, quit coach
    merline, quit coach avatar
    132 posts
    Registered:
    12 Sep 2018
    28 Feb 2019
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    There are steps you can take to help you stay smoke-free.

    Understand Your Triggers
    Certain people, places, things, and situations can trigger an urge to smoke, even years after quitting. Triggers are the things that make you want to smoke. They can affect you no matter how long it’s been since you’ve quit. Knowing your triggers can help you be prepared and fight off cravings.  

    Beat Cravings
    It is difficult to stay smoke-free when cravings hit. But the longer you go without smoking, the more these urges will fade. Fighting cravings can be easier if you have a plan. Prepare by making a list of things you can try when you have the urge to smoke. Take a walk, practice deep breathing, or do whatever works for you to get past cravings. Keep your list handy.

    Be Positive
    The first hours, days, and weeks without cigarettes can be hard. Quitting is a process: take it one day at a time. Keeping a positive outlook can help you get through. There are ways to deal with stress and other strong emotions without cigarettes. 

    Celebrate You
    Staying smoke-free is a big accomplishment. Treat yourself regularly. Now that you’re not buying cigarettes, you might have extra money to buy yourself something special. But your rewards don’t have to cost anything. Enjoy an outdoor hike now that you can breathe easier. Or invite a friend over for a movie night. If you have already built your quit plan, remind yourself of the rewards you chose. If you haven’t made a quit plan, it’s never too late.


    Get Support
    Controlling your triggers and managing cravings can be hard sometimes, even after you’ve been smoke- free for a while. Getting support from the people around you can help. Talk to the people who supported you when you first quit smoking. Friends and family members can play a big role in helping you stay smoke-free.

    Check out other ways to get help staying smoke-free for good:
    Try a text message program.
    To register text iQuit to 123456 to your smart phone and accept service by providing a quit date or texting the word "thinking".  You will then get supportive text messages to your phone.
    Talk to an expert at Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 (toll-free) and visit smokershelpline.ca and the Community of quitters.


    Best Regards,







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