While You’re Puffing Away, Ponder This

No, don’t worry. This won’t be a nagging, when-are-you-going-to-quit column. Yes, it’s about kicking the tobacco habit. And yes, the 22nd Great American Smokeout happens Thursday. But, no, we’re not here to harass you. Rather, just to suggest some things you might not have thought of.

* If you quit, you’ll greatly improve your health and your family’s. You’ll feel and look better. And--ka-ching!--you’ll save some big bucks.

* The first couple of days after quitting might be tough. To make them easier, try avoiding your smoking buddies for a while (and let them know why). Ask the people in your life for support, patience and understanding. Talk to friends or family who have quit.

* If you smoked to relieve stress, try other methods: exercise; sit quietly and breathe deeply, visualize yourself on a beach, a mountain trail or some other place of paradise; keep a squeeze ball or hand grips nearby and use them when you’re feeling pressured.

* Reward yourself. If you’ve quit, you’ve accomplished a lot and you deserve a pat on the back. Think about putting the cash you once spent on your smokes in a jar and making a list of the things you’ll treat yourself to. Need figures to inspire you? If you smoked a pack a day and you spent, say, $2 per pack, you’d have about $60 at the end of the month, or $720 a year.

Source: Based on information provided by StayWell Co.