Quit Smoking and Breathe Easy

If you do slip and have a cigarette, it’s not the end. You can get back on track by putting out the cigarette and walking away from the situation that got you smoking in the first place. Then, think about why you lit up and what you will do differently the next time. Refer back to your reasons for quitting, and remind yourself that you can and will succeed.

You can also celebrate your achievements. “Whole families should really celebrate a family member’s success in quitting,” says LaChance. Sharing the excitement of your success is rewarding for both you and them. Whether it is spending a fun day together at a park or the movies, or even going on a vacation to celebrate a milestone after a certain number of days being smoke-free, it’s important to experience the joy during this time as well.

“The biggest reward for me in quitting smoking was knowing that I had a second chance at living a healthier life,” Colette says. “I certainly didn’t expect to have a heart attack so young, and I knew that I was really lucky to have a second chance. For me, quitting wasn’t punishment; I was grateful to have had the opportunity.”


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