How to Quit Smoking

In the past two weeks, you’ve listed your motivations for quitting and learned about the benefits of stubbing out. You’ve made up your mind: you want to quit smoking.

Where do we begin?

To help you on your road to smoke-free living, we’ve put together a step-by-step quit plan. Here are the five steps to take before you stop smoking for good:

  1. Figure out why you smoke.

  2. Write down your reasons for quitting.

  3. Choose a quit method.

  4. Set a quit day.

  5. Tell your loved ones.

Let’s take a closer look at these steps!

Your 5-Step Quit Smoking Plan

1. Figure Out Why You Smoke

What are your motivations for smoking?

It’s a Habit
You feel “off” if you don’t smoke after a meal or during your 3pm kopi break. You associate smoking with certain activities, places, or people. Maybe many of your friends and family members smoke too, and you’ve picked the habit up from them.

It’s in Your Mind
You have the urge to smoke when you feel stressed out, or to perk yourself up. Or you smoke when you’re bored. Truth is, you only need to smoke because you think you do.

It's an Addiction
You need to smoke because your body craves the nicotine in cigarettes — you feel weak if you don't smoke, and you can't get through the day without lighting up.

It is normal to experience some cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking. But remember that these symptoms are only temporary. You can also practise some deep breathing techniques to help deal with the withdrawal symptoms.

Once you know the reason, you'll be able to choose which quit method to use. For example, those who smoke because of addiction can consider nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to aid in quitting. NRT supplies nicotine to the body to replace the nicotine from cigarettes and to help reduce nicotine cravings when quitting. The amount of nicotine supplied is slowly reduced over time to decrease dependency and help you quit smoking. Consult a pharmacist or doctor to find out more.

2. Write Down Your Reasons for Quitting

Remind yourself of the reasons you’re trying to quit. To save money? To feel better? To be a better role model? Write them down and use them as motivation when the going gets tough.

If health is your primary reason, remind yourself that smoking can cause cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), and many other chronic conditions.

Think about all the health benefits that you will reap in the long term once you quit smoking for good. Don’t forget about the immediate health benefits too.

If you are quitting for a beloved family member such as your spouse or child, look at their photos in your smartphone every time you feel the urge to light up.

3. Choose a Quit Method

Read up on the different quit methods.

You can go cold turkey, or cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. You don't have to do it alone; you can join a support group eg: I Quit Club on Facebook or look for a smoking cessation clinic to help you on your journey to quit smoking. You can also get professional help by calling QuitLine at 1800-438-2000^.

There's also NRT, which comes in different forms like patches, gums and lozenges. Consult a pharmacist or doctor to find out more.

Choose the one you think would work best, and commit to it.

^Kindly note that airtime charges apply for mobile calls to 1800 service lines and calls are free of charge only if made from regular land lines.

4. Set a Quit Day

Now that you’ve decided why and how you want to quit, it’s time to pick a quit date. Select a suitable day to quit: check your calendar and make sure it’s not a stressful period—avoid that big project with crazy deadlines!.

This will make it easier to cope with withdrawal symptoms. Once you’ve chosen a quit day, start preparing for it.

A Week Before Your Quit Day
Decide on your quit method, and stock up on battle supplies: mints and chewy candy for an "itchy" mouth, or Nicotine patches, gums and lozenges if you need them.

A Day Before Your Quit Day
Throw away all ashtrays, lighters, and cigarettes.

5. Tell Your Loved Ones

Let your family and friends know that you’ve decided to quit smoking. Ask for their support and tell them you’ll need their help, especially when your cravings and withdrawal symptoms hit. Who knows, your commitment to quit might even encourage a fellow smoker to do the same!

Resources for Quitting

Join the I Quit Programme and remain smoke free for 28 days and you are 5 times more likely to quit smoking. You can nominate your loved ones as a supporter when you sign up for the programme. Validate your smoke-free status and redeem a HPB eVoucher* worth $50 at the 28th day milestone. Keep going and you'll also receive eVouchers* worth $30 and $20 at the 3rd month and 6th month milestone respectively!

*Terms and conditions apply.

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