If you decide to stop smoking, brace yourself. The first day is not as easy as you imagine. Making a commitment, it’s just only halfway through. Consider these four steps you can take to help your struggle to stop smoking.

1. Stay busy

Staying busy is a great way to stay smokefree on your quit day. Being busy will help you keep your mind off smoking and distract you from cravings. Think about trying some of these activities:

• Exercise.
• Get out of the house for a walk.
• Chew gum or hard candy.
• Drink lots of water.
• Spend time with non-smoking friends and family.

2. Avoid smoking triggers

The trigger can be people, places, things, and situations that trigger your desire to smoke. On the day you stop smoking, try to avoid all these triggers. Here are some tips to help circumvent some of the triggers of smoking in public places:

• Dispose of cigarettes, matches, and ashtrays if you haven’t already done so.
• Avoid caffeine, which can make you feel restless. Try drinking water instead.
• Spend time with non-smokers.
• Go to places where smoking is prohibited.
• Lots of rest and healthy eating. Tiredness can trigger you to smoke.
• Change routines to avoid things that might be related to smoking.

3. Stay Positive

Quitting smoking is difficult. Try not to think of quitting as forever. Pay attention to today. It helps to stay positive. Your quit day might not be perfect, but all that matters is that you don’t smoke. Reward yourself for being smokefree for 24 hours.

3. Don’t give in to your cravings

Every time you don’t smoke when you have a craving, your chances of quitting go up. Change your habits — replace the urge to have a cigarette in your mouth or hands with something else, like chewing gum or playing a game on your phone.

You don’t need to rely on willpower alone to stop smoking. Tell your family and friends that you are quit smoking. Ask for their support. They can help you through it.