Articles
From the June 2006 issue of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Progress newsletter.
Try, Try Again
By: Ashley Seeklander
On April 22, the Health Fair came to Aberdeen. I spent my Saturday sitting at the NADRIC/Aberdeen Tobacco Prevention Coalition table. As people passed our table a few proudly exclaimed, “I quit 17 years ago!” Still others said, “I tried years ago but I couldn’t stop. Maybe it is time to try again.” To those who tried years ago, I say try, try again. Quitting is easy. It’s staying a quitter that is the hard part. There is nothing to feel ashamed about if you didn’t succeed at first. Remember when you were little and first tried to ride a bike? My first time I fell off but I got right back on and tried again. I had plenty of scraped elbows and knees by the time I finally mastered my two-wheeler.
The important thing is I never gave up. If you have tried to quit or have thought about quitting here are some tips to help:
-
Set a quit date and stick to it. Circle it on the calendar and tell your friends, family, and coworkers this is the day you are going to quit.
-
Get a support system (i.e. family, friends, and coworkers) to help you through those tough cravings.
-
Change your routine and keep yourself busy. Find a new activity to do during your usual smoke break. This also includes keeping your hands busy too. Buy some silly putty and play with it whenever you have a craving.
-
Get rid of ALL cigarettes, lighters, and matches. If it is not there it’s not a temptation.
-
Sit in the non-smoking section or find out what businesses are smoke-free.
-
Reward yourself everyday you do not have a cigarette. Take the money you saved by not using tobacco and go on a trip.
-
Drink lots of water. Water helps reduce cravings.
-
Call the SD QuitLine (1-866-SD-QUITS or 1-866-737-8487) for free counseling and a discount on cessation products. The
-
QuitLine offers over-the-phone counseling sessions with follow up call every three, six, and twelve months.
-
Finally, prepare yourself for relapses and intense cravings. Relapses happen and cravings can be tough but stick with it. This is not the same as preparing for failure but instead being ready for anything.
Trying to quit tobacco might be the hardest thing you have ever tried to do. But quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself.
