This article is sponsored by the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project and Quit Win Chicago, which provides rewards to Chicagoans trying to quit smoking and promotes local smoking cessation classes. Learn more at quitwinchicago.com.
The New Year is a time for reflection, renewal, and resolve. So now is the perfect time to tackle your worst habit, or help somebody who's trying to quit.
Below, five tips to help you and your loved ones kick the habit. To learn more and get started yourself, visit QuitWinChicago.com.
Set a date.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important health decisions a person can make. Setting a quit date is key to starting a new, smoke-free life.
Stay motivated.
Make a list of reasons to quit and carry the list with you. Focus on your reasons to quit when you have the urge to smoke.
Change your routine.
Cut smoke breaks out of your life and remove temptations by changing your routine as much as possible. For example, sit in a different place at the kitchen table, take a new route to work or drink tea instead of coffee.
Reward yourself for not smoking.
Set short and long term goals, and have a specific reward for each milestone you reach. Making a “contract” with yourself or a friend can help you stay resolved.
Don’t be discouraged.
Many former smokers tried to stop several times before they finally succeeded. If you give in to a craving, don’t let it get you down. Examine what went wrong, learn from what happened and quit again!
For more information and free local resources, visit QuitWinChicago.com.
