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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 the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smoke-Out," which is the Thursday before Thanksgiving.
- On a special day, such as your birthday, New Year's Day, or the first day of a vacation.
- 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: March 20, 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.
