It’s possible and so worth it!

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle

We all know smoking is bad for your health, your wallet, and your environment. It can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung problems, and many other diseases.

It can also make you smell bad, stain your teeth, and damage your skin. Not to mention, it can burn a hole in your pocket with the rising cost of cigarettes.

Knowing all this doesn’t mean that quitting smoking is easy, nor does it make people even want to quit.

Coming to grips with your addiction and wanting to move away from it is a process, but once you decide you no longer want to be a smoker, then and only then can you move forward and start taking the steps needed to make that a reality.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it’s worth it.

So how do you quit smoking for good? Well, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are some general steps that can help you along the way.

1. Make a plan.

The first step is to decide when and how you want to quit.

You can choose to quit cold turkey, gradually reduce your intake, or use nicotine replacement products or medications.

Some people use vaping as a method, which can work, however, I have also noticed that quite a few are then simply trading one addiction for another. Be aware of the risk of this happening and be strong in your resolve to get away from your nicotine addiction totally.

Whatever method you choose, make sure you have a clear goal and a timeline. Write down your reasons for quitting and keep them handy for motivation.

2. Find support.

You don’t have to quit alone. You can enlist the help of your family, friends, co-workers, or online communities. Tell them about your plan and ask them to encourage you and hold you accountable.

You can also join a quit-smoking program, find a good quite smoking app, or call a quit line for professional advice and counseling.

3. Expect and Prepare for Challenges

Quitting smoking can be hard, especially in the first few weeks. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, or weight gain.

You may also face triggers that tempt you to smoke, such as stress, boredom, social situations, or alcohol.

To cope with these challenges, you need to have a strategy. For example, you can distract yourself with a hobby, exercise, or meditation; avoid or limit exposure to triggers; reward yourself with something healthy or fun; or use positive affirmations or self-talk.

Awareness that these challenges will be there is part of the solution. You shouldn’t be surprised that these things arise.

4. Try reading Allen Carr’s book

“The Easy Way to Stop Smoking” by Allen Carr, has been helpful in many ex-smokers journey to breaking free from nicotine and tobacco.

I have heard nothing but good things from readers of this book. And read it more than once. It can take a while, and repeated efforts to quit, for this to stick.

5. Stay positive.

Quitting smoking is a journey, not a destination. You may encounter some bumps along the way, such as slips or relapses. Don’t let them discourage you or make you give up. Instead, learn from them and move on.

“Checking your ego, abandoning it, letting it go, is a huge part of recovery from addiction.” -Susannah Grant

Remember that every cigarette you avoid is a victory for your health and well-being. Celebrate your achievements and milestones, no matter how small.

Remind yourself of the benefits of quitting smoking, such as feeling better, breathing easier, saving money, and living longer.

Try again. If you fail this time, try again. It will stick one day and each effort was part of that victory.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. It may not be easy, but it’s possible.

With a plan, support, preparation, and positivity, you can quit smoking for good.