In 2011, 43.8 million people in the US were smoking cigarettes and approximately 68% of them wanted to quit completely. That’s more than half of smokers in the US who wish they could quit. Quitting may seem like an impossible task, but there are a number of tools at your disposal designed to help – And many of them are available on the web.
Here are some suggestions provided from Smokefree.gov:
- Create a craving journal. A craving journal will help you follow every moment you feel like smoking. Much like a dieter with a food journal, you’ll learn the emotions behind your smoking and track your smoking habits.
- Make a list of reasons you’re quitting. Writing down why you’re quitting can help to further motivate you. Keep the list posted somewhere that you can always see it. It’s a good idea to check that list every time a craving strikes.
- Get help on the go with mobile services from Smokefree.gov. These free mobile services will send texts straight to your phone with 24/7 messages of encouragement, advice and general tips. The free apps help you track your progress and provide motivation during those rough patches.
Mark Twain once said, “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.” Quitting smoking is a struggle, but it’s important to remember to take it one day at a time. Utilizing some, or all, of these tools can help you get started on the path to kicking the habit for good!