When to quit smoking?

Is there a perfect time to quit smoking?

“Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.” Perhaps you've heard these words before? They also apply to your smoking cessation: there is no “perfect” time to quit smoking! The key is to go at your own pace.

When to quit smoking? Whenever you feel ready 💪

There is no such a thing as an ideal date to say goodbye to cigarettes because the decision has to be made individually, whenever you feel ready. This date varies from one individual to another. That is why it is pointless to compare yourself to another smoker who has also quit.

Being ready and willing to start quitting increases your chances of success. Feeling ready implies understanding the pros and cons of our actions. In smoking cessation, this means understanding the benefits of quitting smoking, but also the difficulties you may encounter, such as the withdrawal symptoms that may arise. Knowing this will help you to better prepare to cope with the tough times and ensure a successful quit.

Be willing to accept all the help you can get to successfully quit smoking 🤝

Although the decision to quit smoking is one you make on your own, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be supported during your smoking cessation. Quite the opposite! As the saying goes, “alone we go faster, together we go further”. It is in this spirit that Kwit was designed: to be there to support you at all times, and to help you achieve your new tobacco-free life.

Based on scientific theories, our application helps you quit smoking in a fun and friendly way. Kwit is there to support you every step of the way. Want to try it? Download it here!

Moments that encourage you to star quitting smoking

Even though there is no perfect time to quit smoking, some moments are better than others. This applies even more if you already planned to quit, but you need a little extra motivation. Kwit offers you the opportunity to understand your motivation and strengthen it with its quit smoking preparation program!

There is strength in numbers: Quitting smoking on Stoptober or on the New Year 🌎

Many people quit smoking during special events such as: the Stoptober or the New Year. The group dynamic can be an incredible motivator for you to keep you going, and maintain your quitting. Also, since many people start quitting smoking at this time, many of them know what you are experiencing because they are going through the same.

When to quit smoking? When your own health dictates! 👩‍⚕️

Quitting smoking is also strongly recommended at certain times in your life, like when you want to have a child, or when you are about to have surgery for instance.

If you want to become a parent, saying goodbye to cigarettes can help you do it. This is why:

• Smoking decreases your fertility.

• Smoking increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, whether it is directly smoked by the mother, or through exposure to passive smoking by the other parent.

• When breastfeeding, some of the nicotine in the bloodstream is passed on to the baby, making him or her more sensitive to this addictive substance.

• You don't want to set a bad example for your unborn child, and expose him to passive smoking at an early age!

Becoming a parent can then be the perfect time to quit smoking.

If you are going to have a surgery, it is also recommended quitting smoking. Since it will be beneficial to:

• Help your recovery.

• Reduce the risk of complications.

To heal, the human body needs more oxygen and nutrients than usual. Indeed, the carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarettes reduce the oxygen levels in the body; Also, smoking is responsible for many nutritional deficits in smokers. Thus, it would be advisable to stop smoking one to two months prior to surgery to promote proper recovery. That being said, even quitting in the days leading up to surgery is beneficial because carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop very quickly, promoting oxygenation.

Although it is important to stop smoking before surgery, it is also important to continue to do so once the surgery is over to promote recovery and limit the risk of infection. Therefore, many people find that surgery is a good time to quit smoking permanently. In fact, since surgeries are usually planned in advance, they allow you to prepare for your smoking cessation.

Choose a significant date to quit smoking 💝

A date that has a special meaning to you may also be the right time to quit smoking. Since this date is already important to you, it might motivate you. For instance, it could be the day you start a new job, move to a new home, your wedding anniversary, or even just a loved one's or your own birthday! Besides, what better gift can you give to yourself on this day than quitting smoking?

Our tips to stack the odds on your favor when you're ready to quit smoking

The following tips will help you on the big day, when you're ready to start quitting and stop smoking.

Prepare for your smoking cessation beforehand 📆

Setting a quit date allows you to prepare so that you have every chance of success when the D'Day arrives. Kwit’s dedicated program, was created to support you and help you develop the necessary strategies to cope with difficult moments.

Keep temptation at bay by cleaning your environment 🗑

When you quit smoking, we advise you to throw away any objects that might remind you of smoking. By keeping them away from you, you will keep temptations away and therefore reduce the risk of relapse.

Limit temptations in the early stages of smoking cessation 🚶

In the early stages of smoking cessation, it is also a good idea to get away from situations that might make you want to smoke. Did you used to smoke on your break at work? Walk away from smoking areas to limit temptations and exposure to passive smoking, and go to your coffee stand for tea instead!

Consider discussing your plans to quit with your loved ones. That way, those who smoke will be more willing to accept it and make an effort in your presence, and the others will be aware of what you are going through and will be more likely to support you.

Finally, whenever you can't avoid these situations, take a look at your profile on your Kwit application! Here you will find strategies for resisting your cravings and understanding what triggers them.

Did you like this article? Share it with your friends! See you soon on Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok!