Don't let yourself relapse: quit smoking forever
Relapse prevention
There are lots of reasons people start smoking again after they've decided to quit. If you've had a relapse, here's what to do differently next time.
Need some inspiration? 3 ex-smokers share their successes so you can learn from their experiences.
Page 3 of 3
There are lots of reasons people start smoking again after they've decided to quit. If you've had a relapse, here's what to do differently next time.
| Relapse trigger | How to beat it |
Missing smoke breaks with friends at work | Schedule coffee breaks or lunch dates with coworkers in smoke-free areas so you can still have social time with them. |
Going to a party or having drinks with friends | Temporarily avoid those situations, or use a nicotine replacement therapy aid, to get through them. |
| Stress | Take a walk. Listen to music. Phone a friend. Try deep breathing. Ask your spouse to look after the kids for 10 minutes. Give yourself permission to take a break. |
| Weight gain | Start an exercise program, or bump up the one you have. Start eating better. |
| Being on the phone or watching TV | Have water bottles and mini carrot sticks handy. Play with elastic bands and squeeze balls to distract yourself. Suck on plastic drinking straws. |
|
Going back after having a child | Next time, quit for you. Make a list of the benefits you look forward to. |
| Overwhelming cravings | Make your house and car smoke-free for a while before quitting. Also consider cutting back before quitting. Studies show people who do so have better chances of success. |
Need some inspiration? 3 ex-smokers share their successes so you can learn from their experiences.
 | This article was first printed in the February/March 2008 issue of Homemakers Magazine. Click to subscribe online and never miss an issue. |
Page 3 of 3
Advertisement
