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How To

How to Make a Resolution to Stop Smoking

Contributor
By Pamela Gifford
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Smoking is no longer socially acceptable. And smoking has a huge negative impact on your health. Most people know this, but quitting isn't easy. It takes willpower, the need and desire to change your lifestyle, and sheer determination. Making a resolution to stop smoking can greatly increase your chances of victory and give you time to mentally prepare.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Calendar
  • 3 boxes Step One nicotine patches - 14 count
  • 2 boxes Step Two nicotine patches - 14 count
  • 1 box Step Three nicotine patches - 14 count
  • Sugar-free gum
  • Hard candy
  • Bowl

    Mark the Date

  1. Step 1

    Mark in your calendar the date of when you plan to stop smoking. This commits you to that date. Choose a date that's at least two weeks from now to give you time to mentally prepare and to collect the items you need.

  2. Step 2

    Buy the nicotine patches. Most people have trouble quitting because of the intense withdrawal symptoms. Using one nicotine patch a day for 12 weeks, starting with Step One, will help your body make the transition smoothly. They will allow you to take care of the mental addictiveness to smoking while the patches take care of the physical addiction. Yes, it is expensive, but it is nothing compared to the cost of continuing to smoke.

  3. Step 3

    Purchase several packs of your favorite sugar-free gum and hard candy. Place them in a bowl and leave out for easy access. These are not smoking replacements but instead a way to distract your mind from cigarettes. When the urge hits, you'll have your bowl of goodies close at hand.

  4. Step 4

    Remove all smoking paraphernalia from your home and vehicle the day before quit day. Throw away all ashtrays, lighters, cigarette cases and so forth. This will help you resist the urge to resume smoking. Carefully comb through your vehicle, as a stray pack of cigarettes could have edged itself under your seat.

  5. Step 5

    Gather the supplies necessary to shampoo your carpets, furniture and your vehicle. Prepare to clean your home on quit day to help rid the house of the smell of smoke by washing curtains and bed apparel, and by washing your wardrobe. You also want to clean your vehicle thoroughly or take it to a detail shop. These chores will keep your hands and mind busy.

Tips & Warnings
  • Some studies suggest that setting your quit day on a Monday can increase your odds of success because it represents a beginning.
Resources

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