Have you been contemplating quitting smoking for a while? There’s no better time than now to quit.
Smoking Cessation 101
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,095,000 Tennessee adults are current cigarette smokers. Let’s all set a new resolution now that the Knoxville area will do its part to make this number decrease by the end of 2017 by following a few steps to quit smoking.
Step One: Find your motivation. While it’s nice to stop smoking for others, in order to really stop smoking for good, it needs to be something you want to do. Maybe you’re motivated to help protect your loved ones from secondhand smoke from your cigarettes? Or do you want to lower your risk of lung cancer, heart disease or other medical issues caused by smoking? Whatever your motivation might be, make sure you are the focal point to have a stronger chance of succeeding in your smoking cessation mission.
Step Two: Get your game face on. Before you smoke your last cigarette, get ready for the withdrawal effects that can occur, such as moodiness, lack of energy and headaches. You may even want to warn friends and family that you’re about to quit smoking so that they can be prepared, as well. Plus, it’s nice to have as much support as possible, especially in times you feel like smoking again.
Also, decide which way you want to go when quitting—cold turkey? Nicotine-replacement therapy? Medication to curb cravings? You want to make sure you have all your ducks in a row when starting your first day toward a new, smoke-free life.
Step Three: Keep yourself busy. Was one of your habits to have a cigarette with your morning coffee? Make a plan to grab a cup of coffee while reading a book. Do you usually have a cigarette in your car? Bring a healthy snack, such as carrots, celery sticks or almonds, for you to munch on while driving instead of smoking.
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