13-Best 'Quit Smoking' Tips Ever

#1:  Know why you want to quit.  Do you know why?  Because it is bad for you?  To get motivated, you need a powerful-personal reason to quit.  Maybe you want to protect your family from second hand smoke?  Maybe the thought of lung cancer frightens you?  Maybe you would like to look and feel younger?  Choose a reason that you feel strongly about and perhaps this will stop you from lighting up!

#2:  Don't go cold turkey.  It may be tempting to toss your cigarettes and declare you quit, but it is not that simple.  The reason is because nicotine is very addictive.  The brain becomes used to that nicotine and craves it.

#3:  Try Nicotine-Replacement Therapy.  When you stop smoking, nicotine withdrawal may make you feel depressed, restless or irritable.  

#4:  Ask about prescription pills.  There are pills that help reduce cravings by affecting chemicals to the brain. 

#5:  Don't do it alone.  Tell your family, friends and coworkers that you are trying to quit.  

#6:  Manage stress.  

#7:  Avoid alcohol.    

#8:  Clean house.  

#9:  Try & try again.  

#10: Eat fruits and vegetables.

#11: Exercise.  This will help get rid of nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

#12: Choose a reward.  Look at all the money you will save.  

#13: By quitting, you will fill so much better.  Your blood pressure will go back to normal.  The risk of a heart attack will decrease.

(This brochure was copied and distributed by Sutter Hospital.)