Your journey to stay smoke-free
Starting to quit is the biggest step!
Congratulations on this life-changing decision! Making the choice to stop smoking really is half the battle.
Now, with support from friends and family and by keeping your eyes on your goal, you will begin to notice your health and quality of life improving. And you might be surprised by the amount of money you are saving in your bank account!
Keep to the plan
Many people find it helpful to create a plan to quit smoking. This plan can include a list of triggering situations to avoid, a list of healthy things to do when you get a craving, as well as the names of people to call for support when you need it.
If you want help putting together a quit plan, reach out to a Registered Nurse trained to help you quit smoking by calling 811 or 1-844-259-1793. A registered nurse can provide you with helpful advice no matter how long you have been smoke-free.
Withdrawal symptoms to watch for
It is very common for people to experience nicotine withdrawal in the hours, days and weeks after they quit smoking. Here are a few of the symptoms people experience:
- Increased anxiety
- Trouble sleeping and fatigue
- Difficulty focusing
- Headaches, hunger, and irritability
- Cravings for cigarettes and other sources of nicotine
Thankfully, there are products out there that can help you get through this.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, ask a health professional in your community about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, sprays or inhalers may be just what you need to step down your nicotine cravings and eventually kick the habit.
Celebrate being smoke-free
Seriously! Quitting is hard work, so make sure you take the time to celebrate every important milestone.
Have you gone a week without a cigarette? Treat yourself to a nice meal out with someone you love.
Have you gone a month with no tobacco? Reward yourself with some new fishing gear.
Has it been an entire year since you went smoke-free? Book a sunny vacation or take a week off to get out on the land.
With all the money you are saving by quitting tobacco, you can afford to give yourself a present or two. After all, you’ve earned it!