The first step in forgetting an old flame is throwing out all the stuff that reminds you of "the way we were."
So it's time now to go through your house, your car and your workplace and toss out everything that has to do with tobacco.
Toss the easy-to-spot stuff like ashtrays and lighters but also do things like have the interior of your car cleaned to get rid of the tobacco stink. And while you're in the car, why not take out that dashboard lighter and ashtray and store them on a shelf somewhere?
If you have a favorite smoking chair, consider cleaning it or moving it to a new spot. Look around your life, and you'll find plenty of things that are going to remind you of your old flame. Move them, hide them or toss them.
Throw your clothes in the washer. There's a smell to a smoker's clothes, one you will not miss once you've quit.
You might also want to visit your dentist. Your tobacco use has slowly made your teeth a lot yellower. A good cleaning can give an immediate boost to your self-esteem, as well as give you another reason to stay quit.
Gather supplies for your quit date.
Have your nicotine replacements or other quitting medications ready. And remember, some of the non-nicotine medications require you to start taking them up to two weeks before your quit date.
Keep a water bottle around that you can refill. It makes getting a cleansing drink easier. It'll also help keep your stomach full. An empty stomach can sometimes set off cravings. We recommend you carry a bottle of water with you for most of the first week after you've quit.
Buy things you can chew on: carrot sticks, celery, toothpicks, cinnamon sticks, sugarless candy, sugarless gum. Stock the fridge with healthy snacks and sprinkle the candy throughout your house, in the car and at work. Keep it all as handy as you did your tobacco– right in your pocket is best.
Get something for your hands to do. Get a squeeze toy or a handball.
Make a list of your "Reasons I Want To Quit." Post copies of it around your house, car and workplace.
Do one last double-check to ensure that you haven't overlooked any tobacco in the glove compartment or the pocket of an old coat.
All this stuff is important. Remember, the more things you do to help you stop smoking, the better off you'll be on the day you quit.
Trying to figure things out? Check out BecomeAnEX FAQ for answers to common questions about going tobacco-free.
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If you're ready to become an ex-smoker, we're ready to help you re-learn life without cigarettes.
