Image Credits: Myriams-Fotos, at Pixabay
If your relative or someone you care about has decided to quit smoking recently, you can play a very important role in helping him or her. Not only are they doing themselves a big favor by saying goodbye to this unhealthy habit, they are helping their friends as well because of the dangers of second hand smoke.
Here are four ways to help your relative or someone you care about quit smoking.
1. Quit With Them
If you are a smoker, then by joining your relative, your chances for quitting can be better as you get instant feedback from someone you care about. Even if you are not a smoker, there surely must be an area in your life on which you have been meaning to work on. Make that your goal. It could be exercising more or organizing your house. Whatever it may be, start helping your partner quit smoking by setting goals for yourself too. So in case they feels the urge to smoke, you can help him by modeling how you too are staying away from brownies.
2. Keep Him Away from Triggers and Triggers Away from Him
Some people or situations can be triggers for wanting to smoke again. As a way to help him quit smoking, try to make plans that do not revolve around friends who smoke or places where everyone is happily puffing away. Put away ashtrays and other smoking accessories from around the house which can serve as constant reminders of the bad habit. Unsubscribe from smoker promotional emails and mailings that send discount coupons and other incentives to continue smoking. Pool Halls can be littered with smokers and smoking advertising. Find alternative forms of entertainment.
3. Find a Distraction
Enroll in a cooking class or learn ballroom dancing together. It may not be a magic pill, but it may help you get his mind off smoking and in to some other creative outlet.
4. Look At on the Positive
Help relative quit smoking by clipping out articles (or emailing them to him) about the financial and health benefits of kicking the habit. Of course, he may know all of it already, but subtle reminders can act as motivation and may just make the difference between lighting up another cigarette or not.
Many studies suggest that working towards any goals becomes easier if done with someone. That’s what Weight Watchers is based on. They say people who join with a friend are thrice more successful and hence lose weight and keep it off. The same applies to helping someone quit smoking. Give them the support and the shoulder they need.