Written by Mary Battaglia

According to the Mayo Clinic, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.  

Quitting cigarettes can reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.  It can be challenging to quit smoking because there is an emotional connection, cigarettes are a stress reliever, smoking is a habit, and nicotine is addictive.  Even though there are challenges, quitting is possible.

Some people are able to quit cold turkey, but that does not work for everyone.  Here are three tips that can help you break the habit.

Cut down. Every day reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke until you get to the last one. When you have one cigarette remaining, that is the day you become a nonsmoker.  

Pause when you want a cigarette.  Instead of smoking, take a deep breath of fresh air into your lungs and feel calm. Then distract yourself so the moment passes.

Create a new habit.  Instead of having a cigarette, reach for a bottle of water, which creates a positive hand to mouth motion. As you drink the water, feel how cool, crisp, and cleansing it is. Visualize the water cleansing your lungs so you keep them healthy.

Always quit smoking for yourself and not for others. A good time to quit smoking is when you are on a vacation because of reduced stress and an environment change.  Start saying affirmations like, “I can quit smoking for good.”  Let the motivation of good health and financial gain help you stay strong. 

Mary Battaglia is a certified clinical hypnosis and sound practitioner.