You've considered the benefits of quitting and how it can make a difference in the way you feel. You've pictured yourself being successful. Now it's time to learn and practice skills to help you stick with your goals of not using tobacco.
Making the Most of Your Decision to Quit
This information will help you learn and practice the skills you need to quit for good. It's an easy-to-use guide to a lifetime of being tobacco free. As you work your way through the activities, keep these points in mind:
- Breaking habits takes time. For a health behavior to become routine, you must practice it regularly over time.
- Breaking habits requires support. It's not impossible to quit using tobacco without help from others, but it's much easier if you have the support of family and friends.
- A slip is just a slip. You're striving for long-term success, so focus on your overall patterns and don't dwell on occasional slips.
3 Keys to Success
You'll benefit most if you commit to:
- Print this information and keep it where you'll see it every day for the next 30 days
- Complete each activity
- Review your personal action plan and record your progress daily
Advantages of Being Tobacco Free
Your decision to quit using tobacco could be one of the most important you'll ever make for your future health and well-being. Some benefits of a tobacco-free lifestyle include:
- Feeling better about yourself and becoming a role model for family and friends
- More stamina for work and play
- Whiter teeth and fresher breath
- Cleaner-smelling clothes, furniture, and car
- Decreasing risk of serious illnesses
- Freedom from the restrictions of smoking
- Saving money.
With any behavior change, however, there are adjustments to make in your normal routine. Some are easy, while others may be more challenging. To help prepare for these adjustments, complete the following statements:
- I expect to benefit from being tobacco free in the following ways:
- I expect to make the following changes to quit:
Now, read on to learn more about breaking the habit.
