Continued from page 1
11. Quit smoking "cold turkey". Many smokers find that
only way they can truly quit once and for all is to just quit abruptly without trying to slowly taper off. Find
method that works best for you: gradually quitting or cold turkey. If one way doesn't work do
other.
12. Find another smoker who is trying to quit, and help each other with positive words and by lending an ear when quitting becomes difficult. Visit this Bulletin Board and this Chat Room to find a "quit buddy."
13. Have your teeth cleaned. Enjoy
way your teeth look and feel and plan to keep them that way.
14. After you quit, plan to celebrate
milestones in your journey to becoming a non-smoker. After two weeks of being smoke-free, see a movie. After a month, go to a fancy restaurant (be sure to sit in
non-smoking section). After three months, go for a long weekend to a favorite get-away. After six months, buy yourself something frivolous. After a year, have a party for yourself. Invite your family and friends to your "birthday" party and celebrate your new chance at a long, healthy life.
15. Drink lots of water. Water is good for you anyway, and most people don't get enough. It will help flush
nicotine and other chemicals out of your body, plus it can help reduce cravings by fulfilling
"oral desires" that you may have.
16. Learn what triggers your desire for a cigarette, such as stress,
end of a meal, arrival at work, entering a bar, etc. Avoid these triggers or if that's impossible, plan alternative ways to deal with
triggers.
17. Find something to hold in your hand and mouth, to replace cigarettes. Consider drinking straws or you might try an artificial cigarette called E-Z Quit found here: http://www.quitsmoking.com/ezquit.htm
18. Write yourself an inspirational song or poem about quitting, cigarettes, and what it means to you to quit. Read it daily.
19. Keep a picture of your family or someone very important to you with you at all times. On a piece of paper, write
words "I'm quitting for myself and for you (or "them")". Tape your written message to
picture. Whenever you have
urge to smoke, look at
picture and read
message.
20. Whenever you have a craving for a cigarette, instead of lighting up, write down your feelings or whatever is on your mind. Keep this "journal" with you at all times.
Good luck in your efforts to quit smoking. It's worth it!
Now, go do it!

** Article © Copyright 1999 Fred Kelley of QuitSmoking.com. Visit the web site at http://www.quitsmoking.com for great information and products designed to help you stop smoking.