Ever wonder what it takes to be an ex-smoker or ex-vaper? Hundreds of people have taken the step to become tobacco free with the help of Breathe California’s Ash Kickers. Here are three things that our program can help you do to be successful in quitting:
Self-Motivation:
You will want to identify your motivations for wanting to make a change. Is it because you want to get in shape, smell better, or have whiter teeth to attract that special someone at the gym? Whatever the reason, one of the best signs that you will be successful is your personal desire to make the switch from being a smoker or vaper to a person who doesn’t use nicotine. I’ve noticed that when someone clearly knows their reasons for quitting and keeps a reminder of their reasons, they are more likely to quit .
Give yourself a reward for not smoking or vaping. It could be something small that you reward yourself with on a weekly basis like a manicure, nice dinner, or massage. Or it could be something big like a vacation to another country after not smoking for a year or two. The rewards will motivate you to not only be nicotine-free, but also change how you reward yourself in the future instead of using smoking or vaping as a reward. Not only will you save some serious extra cash money by doing so, but your lungs will also thank you.
Create Strategies:
Figure out what your triggers are and then plan what you will do when they hit. Do you smoke or vape every morning with coffee because you feel like it is the perfect combination? Switch to tea! Do you have to use when you get in the car and hit traffic? Put your cigarettes or vaping materials in the trunk! Keep yourself busy and distracted when a craving hits. There isn’t a “one size fits all” strategy for cravings. Find a new hobby, explore new passions, and find new interests. Above all, if something doesn’t work the first time, try again. You trained your body to smoke, now you have to train it not to smoke or vape.
One strategy that many people find helpful at Ash Kickers is group support. If you don’t have a group you can join, you can always find a friend that will support you on your smoke free journey. Think about how when you want to work out, most people are more likely to do it if they have a buddy who will nag them. It’s pretty much the same concept. Find someone who will support you to live a healthier life. Nagging is optional.
Self-Efficacy:
You have to feel like you can be successful. You have to make sure that you think positive and keep moving towards your goal. Focus on the positive change that you have made so far. Have you cut down from a pack a day to ten cigarettes a day, or from eight vaping sessions to two? Great! Keep going until you reach your goal. Change takes time and practice. Don’t give up and allow yourself a chance to succeed. Keep going and you will eventually be able to call yourself an ex-smoker or ex-vaper!
Email jason@lungsrus.org today if you’re ready to quit and would like to learn more about our Ash Kickers program.
Do you have a strategy that helped you or someone you know quit smoking? Share your personal story with @BreatheCA_BA and help others #kickthehabit #losethebutts