You "Love Yourself Enough to Quit," Now What?

So, you’ve set your quit date, and you are ready to quit this time. Say you are going to quit with us on February 14th, the “I Love Myself Enough to Quit” day. Now, what should you do to prepare for that quit date? If you prepare for the date, you are more likely to succeed, so take the time now to have some strategies in place.

Here are some things to try:

Enlist the positive and supportive friends and family. The negative nannies, you can let them know well into your quit plan. You will need encouragement, especially during the first few weeks, while withdrawal symptoms are the most severe.

Find a new positive habit. Do this now before your quit date and you’ll have a plan in place when a craving strikes. For instance, if you usually light up when you are talking on the phone, intentionally get a healthy snack, such as peanut butter and celery sticks, the next time you pick up the phone.

Talk to your doctor about your plan to quit. You doctor may have insight about your personal health that requires consideration. Once he gives you the go ahead, ask for a reference to a support group, or

Clear the house of all ashtrays and clean. Having a clean house gives you one more reason not to light up. Prepare to throw away the cigarettes you have on hand.

Finally, write yourself a love letter. Tell yourself how you want to be around for your grandchildren’s weddings. Write down all the things you are going to do with that money you saved not buying smokes.

Also, don’t be afraid to quit before your quit date. If you feel you are prepared enough, or you are beginning to be disgusted with smoking, now might be a good time.