Tips To Help You Stop Smoking
By Tony Lehn, M.S.
Lutheran General Fitness Center

Are you a smoker who would like to quit? Opinion polls show that a majority of people who smoke, would also like to quit. The reasons to quit are obvious—health, quality of life—and longevity being some of them. You know why you should quit, and may even have tried to quit several times, only to start smoking again. Remember, smoking is more than a physical addiction, it is a psychological addiction as well.

Here are some tips to help:

1. Make a list of times that you reach for a cigarette. Write down how you feel, where you are, and if you really want the cigarette or are just lighting up out of habit.
2. Set a "Quit Day" and make sure that plenty of people know about it. Accountability can be a GREAT motivator.
3. Find others who would like to quit with you. This will allow you to go through the experience with other people. When you feel like having a cigarette, make sure to talk to one of these people, or to someone else to whom you are accountable.
4. Find a time to quit when your stress will NOT be high. For example, a vacation would be a good time.
5. When you feel like smoking, wait a few moments to see if the feeling will pass.
6. Set times during the day that you will not smoke, such as when you are on the phone or in the car. Gradually increase the amount of time you are not smoking.
7. When you feel like smoking, distract yourself with a conversation or with physical activity.

You can become smoke-free for life. Millions have done it—you can too!