smoking: choosing a good time to quit
overview
your attempt to quit is more likely to succeed if you pick a good time. anytime that you can focus your energy and attention on your goal of quitting tobacco is a good time to quit. this could include:
- today, if you're motivated.
- on a special day, such as your birthday, new year's day, or the first day of a holiday.
- when you are ill or having a troublesome tobacco-related symptom.
- when a friend or relative is quitting.
harder times to quit may include:
- high-stress times.
- times when you feel low or depressed.
- after a serious loss or difficult life change, such as the death of someone close or a stressful move.
if your life is hectic, you may feel that there will never be a good time to quit. in that case, pick a time to quit. then do what you can to make your life less stressful or busy than it usually is. be aware that if you wait for a "perfect" time to quit, you may keep putting off the decision for years.
current as of: november 15, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
