Members,
The first few weeks of a quit can be the toughest. The good news is that there are strategies that can make these first few weeks less stressful:
Use Self-Talk: Ask yourself "How do I feel better about myself if I reach my goals?" or "If I don’t drink, will anything bad happen?" or perhaps "If I do smoke, what do I have to gain?"
Log Back In: Come back to this program on a daily basis and revisit the exercises you've already completed – or do them over again.
Use Your Support Team: If you're feeling pressure lean on a friend or family member. If it's late at night and you need someone to talk to. Log in to our anonymous Support Group and see if there's anyone you can talk to, or read the posts of others who have experienced the same feelings and frustrations.
Avoid: For the first few weeks do not hang around people who smoke. Don't let your guard down.
Practice: Imagine scenarios that you'll eventually be placed in and practice saying: "No thanks". Visualize both how you'll say "No thanks" and imagine how confident you'll feel afterwards.
Make a Public Pledge: Make a Public Pledge that supports your goal and frequently remind yourself of the reasons why you’re quitting.
Help Others: Log into the online Support Group and give some encouragement to others who are just starting out. You might be surprised to realize how much helping others helps you.
Remember your Triggers: Remind yourself of your trigger situations and avoid them at all costs. Plan your day ahead of time so you can stay away from them.
Talk to your Doctor: Consider a visit with your doctor to see if he or she can recommend any other strategies or medications that might help you get past the first few weeks.
Veteran members, what strategies worked for you in the first few weeks?
Ashley, Health Educator
