1.  Prepare to quit

• Join a stop-smoking program
• Make a list of your reasons for quitting
• Track the cigarettes you now smoke
• Click here for reasons to quit.

2.  Choose your quit date

• Do not try to quit during a period of high stress such as during the holidays.
• Become aware of those things or events that give you the urge to smoke.

3.  Learn to cope with withdrawal from cigarettes

• Symptoms from withdrawal are the main reason people go back to smoking.
• Withdrawal is worse during the first few days. Then it tapers off over the next few weeks.
• Practice the four D’s.
  Delay
  Deep breathe
  Distract
  Drink water

4.  Get plenty of rest. Eat a well balanced diet and drink lots of water.

• Be sure to get some exercise every day. Exercise will reduce the stress of quitting and will help you to feel better.

5.  Arrange for support

• Get support from family and friends.
• Read self-help books and listen to motivational tapes.

6.  Prevent a relapse

• Avoid being around smokers.
• Find things that occupy your hands.
• Reward yourself for not smoking.
• Review your reasons for quitting.
• Spend time in smoke-free environments.

7.  Celebrate a life, free from smoking.

Join Central Baptist Hospital's Freedom from Smoking classes.  Click here for more information or call 859-260-6419.