merline, quit coach
124 posts
Registered:
12 Sep 2018
28 Feb 2019
Link to this post
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,