Strategies and Skills for Quitting: Step 1

Get ready ~
Here we are, It's Monday, the start of a new work week and the first full week in the last month of the year. It's a good time to start to prepare to quit smoking and it's never too early for that. So let's 'have at it'.

First things first; Contact your doctor or local health department to find out the kinds of medicines and help available in your area for people who want to quit smoking. Telephone help lines operated by your state can also help you find information and support for quitting tobacco use.

Check with your insurance provider to find out if medicines or counseling are covered under your plan.

Prepare your body and mind for the stress that comes with quitting. Things you can do or begin to do starting today are:

Set a quit date and stick to it. (1/1/10 sounds like a great date too)! This is an important step toward becoming tobacco-free. This is what I did and has been proven to greatly improve chances for success.

Make some changes. Get rid of all ashtrays and lighters after your last cigarette. Throw away pipes or cans of snuff. Also, get rid of the smell of smoke and other reminders of smoking by cleaning your clothes and your house, including draperies, upholstery, and walls. Don't let people smoke in your home. Take the lighter out of your car. You can also begin now creating a smoking journal detailing the 'triggers' that may make you desire a cigarette the most. This could come in quite handy on your official 'quit day'.

If you have tried to quit in the past, review those past attempts. Think of the things that helped in those attempts, and plan to use those strategies again this time. Think of things that hindered your success, and plan ways to deal with or avoid them.

Once you quit, don't even take a puff. Start preparing for this now; after your quit date, don't smoke at all—not even a puff.

Two things I also highly recommend: When you call your doctor ask him or her about Welbutrin and start taking this at two weeks prior to your quit day. (As you know I am a HUGE believer in this!) Also: I used Hypnotherapy my last time around and I really believe it has helped. I encourage you to give this some thought.

Meet me back here tomorrow for Step 2.