Quit Tips

Quick thoughts, ideas and tips that have helped other ex-smokers quit. If they can do it, so can you!

Plan something enjoyable to do every day that does not include tobacco.

Stop and ask yourself, "Do I really want this cigarette right now?"

Clean out your car. Empty your ashtray. Add a special place for your new crunchy snacks to help you fight the urge to smoke.

Give away all your ashtrays.

Watch people who don't use tobacco. Borrow some ideas from them.

Reward yourself. Consider putting aside the money that you would have spent buying cigarettes and treat yourself to something you really want.

Make a commitment to having a tobacco-free home. Add a sign “Mahalo for not smoking” right at the front door and thank yourself every time you see it!

Drink lots of water and flush out those toxins.

Instead of a smoke break take a walk round the block, have a cup of tea or drink a glass of fruit juice. Fruit juice helps to restore your blood sugar levels and helps clear out impurities.

Have hope. Remember, even if you’ve tried to quit before, it doesn’t mean you won’t be successful this time.

Frame your last Cigarette.

Get social support. Your commitment to stopping smoking for the rest of your life can be made much easier by talking about it to friends and family and letting them support you. They will congratulate you on doing so well too!

Measure you victories.  Instead of beating yourself up for stumbling, applaud yourself for your small victories. I’ve made it through an hour without smoking.  Soon, you’ll be able to say I’ve made it through a week or month.

Most importantly, get help. Less than 5% of people who try to quit without help, succeed. Hawaii Tobacco Quitline is here to provide the help you need to get ready to quit and to stay quit. Even if you’ve tried before and failed, we can help. Just call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or click here to register for a call back from a Quit Coach.