Did you know that a review of hundreds of studies into smoking cessation by a Sydney University team has revealed that up to three quarters of ex-smokers gave up without resorting to nicotine replacement therapies?
So just like pretty much every other healthy change you want to make, when it comes to quitting, the will to do it and the discipline to follow through are the two most important tools you have. Remember the rules of goal setting as well: you will probably not be successful if you ‘try and quit' or ‘give it a go' - you are much more likely to succeed if you ‘decide to become a non-smoker'. Semantics I know, but trust me, it makes a difference.
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that quitting smoking will be easy. It won't. But it will be rewarding. In fact, probably more rewarding than any other health change you make. Why is that? Well, when you give up smoking you don't just look and feel healthier (eventually), you also save lots and lots of money.
It is really important when you quit to keep reminding yourself of the hazards of smoking and the benefits of quitting. One of the best ways to keep reminding yourself of the benefits of quitting is to place all the money that you would have spent on cigarettes into a separate bank account. Label it ‘Holidays' (or ‘New car' or whatever it is that you really want) and watch the money grow. Also, create a hard and fast rule for yourself: you are only allowed to buy that dream holiday if you stay off the smokes. Check your bank account regularly and each time you do, remind yourself of the benefit you are getting.
Give up smoking today. That's right: not tomorrow, or next week, or after you finish this pack. There has never been a better time than right now and you have all the tools to do it right there in your brain. Your body and your bank balance will thank you for it!
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