By Emily Miller
With 2013 quickly coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about how you will make your New Year’s Resolution happen this year.
A fairly common resolution is to quick smoking, which can be extremely difficult due to its addictive nature. Luckily, the American Lung Association is an excellent resource to help kick your addiction.
Recently they launched the “Quitter in You” campaign, which features stories from ex-smokers, tools to make quitting easier, words of encourage and much more. It’s a campaign for smokers who want to quit and non-smokers who want to help someone quit.
So, if this is your year to quit, here are five tips to help you along the way:
Learn from past experience
Don’t let previous failed attempts discourage you. Some people may be able to quit on the first attempt while others may require several attempts. If you have failed in the past, think about what helped you during those tries and what you could do differently to make this time a success.
You don’t have to do it alone
An easy way to stick with any resolution is to recruit a resolution buddy or have a support team of close family and friends. They will not only ease the process for you but can help you stay on track.
Expert help is available from the American Lung Association and other groups who can assist you even further.
Medication can help
Currently, there are seven FDA-approved medications – like nicotine patches or gum – that can make quitting easier, if used correctly. Be sure to follow the directions correctly so the medication can work properly.
It’s never too late to quit
Like any bad habit, it is never too late to quit. While it’s best to quit smoking as early as possible, quitting smoking at any age will increase the longevity and quality of your life.
You will also save money on your health and life insurance.
Every smoker can quit
At the American Lung Association, they firmly believe everyone – regardless of what long they have smoked – can quit. It all depends on how much you want it
Quitting isn’t easy but 50 million ex-smokers in the United States can tell you it’s possible. Make 2014 the year you begin a new, smoke-free life.
