Quit Smoking in the New Year with Pennsylvania Insurance!

The benefits of quitting smoking are obvious: improving the health of yourself and your family, regaining control over cravings, and saving money on Pennsylvania insurance. However, the benefits usually aren’t enough to motivate smokers to quit. If you’re a smoker and are vowing to quit in 2012, here are some tips:

Image courtesy of smokeforwhat.com

• Give yourself a reason to quit. Unfortunately, “because it’s bad for me” won’t be motivation enough. Give yourself a real, tangible reason to quit. A great one: “I want to quit so I can live a long and healthy life with my children.”
• Choose a reward. Tell yourself that when you quit smoking, you’ll go on that vacation you’ve wanted to take for years. A reward is a great motivator!
• Don’t go cold turkey. Ninety-five percent of people who give up cigarettes cold turkey end up relapsing. It’s not easy to quit something you’ve become heavily addicted to! Instead, work in steps.
• Tell everyone. Broadcast that you’re going to quit smoking. Post it on your Facebook and Twitter, tell your coworkers, and yell it from the rooftops! When others are holding you accountable, you’re less likely to try to sneak a smoke.
• Find other ways to beat stress. Many people turn to cigarettes to relax, so it’s important that you find another way to relax. Replace smoking with another habit, like listening to music or taking a walk.
• Try nicotine replacement products. You can buy over-the-counter pills, patches, or gum to help wean yourself off of cigarettes rather than going cold turkey.
• Talk to your doctor. If you’ve exhausted all options and have still been unsuccessful, talk to your doctor. There are prescription pills available to assist with quitting smoking.

It’s no secret that smoking is bad for you, and yet nearly 50 million Americans smoke. It can be a difficult habit to break, but with the right motivation and persistence you can do it. Your family, your health, and your Pennsylvania insurance will thank you!

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