A New Years Guide To Quitting Smoking

It's at the top of our list of Bingo Player New Years Resolutions, in the same resolutions league as exercising more and spending less. So where do you start, and how do you end your slavery to the nicotine sticks? How do you cut out the tobacco once and for all? As hard as it is, we have some excellent tips on how to quit and stay quit.

1. Write it down.
Write down your reasons for quitting and post them on your fridge, as an easily accessible reference when you are tempted to smoke.

2. What are your motives for smoking?
Keep a journal BEFORE you quit, documenting your feelings about why you like smoking. Include details about when, where, with whom and why you like smoking.

3. Change your habits.
Jot down your list of "triggers" (see number 2 above) on the left side of a piece of paper, then write down how you plan to avoid or cope with those situations that usually have you pulling out the ol' cigarette stick.

4. Make smoking less pleasurable.
Instead of smoking your usual favourite brand of cigarettes, in the week leading up to your quit date switch to a less-preferred brand or a lighter version of your regular brand.

5. Tell it to the press.
Tell everyone you know that you're planning on quitting for good. Friends and family can be there to support you in your quest to stop smoking.

6. Throw out all smoking paraphernalia.
Get rid of your ashtrays, rolling papers, matches, or lighters.

7. Go cold turkey.
Ignore the impulse to quit gradually. Stopping completely on your chosen quit date is usually the best approach.

8. Celebrate anniversaries and reward yourself.
After a week of not smoking, reward yourself with a special treat, such as an outing or a nice dinner at your favourite restaurant. After a month, treat yourself to something bigger - like perhaps even a shopping spree! After all, you deserve it - and you'll most likely have some extra money saved from not buying packs of cigarettes.

9. What to do when you fall off the smoking wagon.
Don't worry, but don't relapse back into your old habits. Identify what trigger caused the smoking slip-up, and try to come up with a plan to cope with or eliminate the possibility of it happening again.

10. Ask for help.
If quitting on your own isn't an option, you may find an aid such a nicotine patch or nicotine gum very helpful. You may even want to see your doctor for advice on other available options.

Just remember, any craving to smoke usually only lasts a few minutes - it will pass, whether or not you give in. So go have a glass of water or brush your teeth or have a candy. Anything to make the moment pass. Just don't give up!

Good luck!