4 useful tips to help you stop smoking

Why should you consider getting help and quitting smoking? According to the Canadian Lung Association, tobacco kills approximately 37,000 Canadians each year. That shocking fact alone should help encourage you to kick the habit.
There are more than 4,000 dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes, many of which are known to be carcinogens, or cancer causing chemicals. For this reason, many Canadians are trying to quit. Quitting cigarettes might not be easy, but it’s far from impossible. Here are four useful tips that can help you on your quest to quit cigarettes.

There is no need to wait for the “perfect” day, because the “perfect” day will never come. Simply select a date, write it in your calendar, and begin to plan accordingly around that. If at all possible, choose a date within two weeks, and no longer. Be committed to this date.

Grab a pen and paper, and write down the reasons that you want to quit smoking. Perhaps you want to become healthier for family reasons, or maybe you have a marathon coming up that you are training for. Sometimes, it’s just something as simple as saying that buying cigarettes all the time is getting to be too expensive. Fold this list up, and keep it handy.

Making the choice to quit smoking is both brave and challenging. Many people report feelings of nicotine withdrawal, which can manifest as agitation, chronic headaches, trouble sleeping, and change in appetite. Visit your family doctor to discuss ways in which to temper these physical responses to quitting. There are both herbal and prescribed treatments available to make this important transition more comfortable for you.

It’s important to let those around you, including friends, family, and co-workers, know that you are attempting to quit smoking. This way, they will be able to avoid tempting you by smoking in your presence. They will also be alerted in advance that you may experience mood swings, among other symptoms of withdrawal, and know to offer patience and support when you’ll need it most.

It’s never too late to quit, whether you’ve been smoking for five months, or twenty-five years. And remember to never stop trying to quit. You may not succeed your first time around, but this doesn’t mean you should give up entirely. Stay strong, stay focused, and soon you will be living a happier, healthier, more satisfying life. And don't forget to consult your doctor for help.