Tips to Quit Smoking

Here are some tips to quit smoking from the American Heart and Lung Association (ALA):

1. Pick a good time to quit. Don’t try to quit when you’re under a lot of stress or around a holiday.

2. Be aware that smokers have different experiences when they quit. You may feel sleepy or very excited, lightheaded, nervous or irritable. Or you might crave tobacco or sweets or have headaches.

3. Exercise everyday. For example, walking is a great way to reduce the stress of quitting. Exercise is a big boost toward feeling better, improving spirits, and keeping trim.

4. Take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and drink lots of water.

5. Ask family, friends and co-workers to help. Having someone to take a walk with or just to listen can give a needed boost.

6. Keep trying! Most smokers need to "practice" quitting several times before they make it for good. Practice helps smokers plan what to do next time they get an urge to smoke. Quitting smoking may seem impossible, but it can be done. Don’t give up! More than 46 million Americans have quit. Many of them tried several times before they were able to quit. Other smokers can, too.

The American Lung and Heart Association also recommends its smoking program like Freedom From Smoking®, which gives lots of ideas on how to quit and quit for good. Look into the different kinds of self-help options available to smokers. These include guidebooks, videotapes and audiotapes from American Lung Association and can be found at http://www.lungusa.org.