A scary scenario is when you have decided to quit smoking but are afraid that you might succumb to this habit. If you have decided to stop smoking, congratulations are in order. After that, the next step is to ensure that you stick to your decision. Here we bring to your attention to some things that you should do when you want to quit smoking. Keeping these vital suggestions in mind will help you successfully kick off this bad habit, and hopefully help in avoiding a relapse.

  • Make a plan and stick to it: It is very important for you to make a step-by-step plan on how you plan to quit smoking. Once you have made a plan, the next step is to follow it religiously. This will help you stay focused and motivated to see your decision through. A personalized quit plan is thus the first of many things you should do when you want to quit smoking. Always remember that this plan must be tailor-made for you as there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this problem.
  • Seek support from friends and family
    As difficult as this seems, you must seek support from your friends and family members who can keep you motivated and help you stay on track. In case you are using nicotine replacement therapy, it is important to make it a part of your plan. Your friends will rally around and help you during the weaker moments. Add people who have a positive mindset to your circle. Once you tell them about your decision, they will help you get through initial rough spots. These days, there are smartphone apps that help you keep track of your smoking cravings and help you understand your smoking patterns.
  • Keep yourself busy
    When planning to stop smoking, it is important to keep busy. Create a tough routine where every minute of your time is accounted for. This way, your mind will remain occupied, and you will not think about smoking as much as you used to do. Plan some activities with friends, pursue a sport, exercise regularly, chew gum, go for a walk. You can also keep a pen or a toothpick in your hand to keep them busy. Also, breathe deeply, drink lots of water, watch a movie, go for a dinner with family, spend time with people who don’t smoke. Anything that keeps you busy works well in this case.
  • Avoid smoking triggers
    One of the important things you should do when you want to quit smoking is to avoid smoking triggers. There may be several events, situations, people, and places that may act as a trigger and set off your urge to smoke. Throw away your lighters, pack of cigarettes, ashtrays, spend time with non-smokers, avoid caffeine, drink a lot of water, eat healthy, and rest a lot.

Following all these things you should do when you want to quit smoking will surely help you kick off this habit.