Why Do You Smoke?

Ever thought about why you smoke? Knowing why can help you quit. Check out the reasons below. Do any sound familiar?

Reason	Try This Instead
I'm bored I smoke when there is nothing else to do. I smoke to keep my hands busy. I smoke more during breaks at school at work.	You smoke when you have free time. Maybe it is when there is no one else around. You smoke to pass time or when you have nothing to do. Try these ideas instead of smoking: Call a friend, anyone you can talk to. Listen to music. Draw. Write. Read. Find a hobby. Anything that interests you. Have a snack – make it healthy. Get active. Bike, walk, work out, you name it. Do something, anything, to distract yourself.
To be social I smoke more when I am with other smokers. I smoke to celebrate something with friends. I smoke more when I go out to a bar, nightclub or party. I smoke more on the weekends.	You tend to smoke when you are out with friends or just hanging out. You typically smoke around other smokers, during the weekend, or after school or work. Try these ideas instead of smoking: Drink water or diet soda. Have a healthy snack. Chew on a toothpick, straw or gum. Hang around non-smokers. Think about the benefits of being smoke-free, stay positive. Tell yourself, "I have not smoked for days; I'm not going to blow it now." Use the restroom or make a phone call when your friends light up.
I'm stressed out I smoke more when I am depressed, angry or frustrated. I smoke to relax or calm down. I smoke more when I am nervous. I smoke more when I have some sort of deadline (i.e. test, work project, etc.)	You find yourself smoking the most when studying for a test (finals week), have a deadline at school or work, when you have relationship problems, or anytime you are upset. Smoking relaxes you. It is a way to get your mind off stuff that is bothering you. Try these ideas instead of smoking: Practice deep breathing. Talk to someone. Go for a walk, exercise, play sports. Listen to music. Make a list of the things that are bothering you and how you can help make the situation better. Remember – smoking WON'T make the problems go away.
Because of my weight I smoke to control my weight. I smoke to curb my appetite.	You smoke to keep your weight down, instead of eating. Did you know that you can use the same techniques for quitting smoking as losing weight? It doesn't have to be one or the other. Right now, focus on quitting smoking, then worry about weight loss. Try these ideas instead of smoking: Drink as much water as you can. Have healthy snacks handy. Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes each day. Reach for your gum or toothpicks. Plan meals ahead of time. You'll be less likely to grab non-healthy meals when you're hungry.
It's just something i do, I can't explain it I smoke automatically without even thinking about it. I smoke 1/2 pack of cigarettes or more a day. I smoke even when I'm sick. I can't start my day without a cigarette. It's hard to be in places where I can't smoke.	Smoking is a habit – an automatic routine. You smoke while driving, drinking coffee, talking on the phone, etc. Often the addicted smoker smokes within 30 minutes of waking up. Try these ideas instead of smoking: Talk to your docutor about using nicotine replacements / substitutes. Prepare for withdrawal. Disconnect the behaviors you've associated with smoking. Declare the house smoke-free or start by designating smoke-free rooms if you live with smokers. Go to places where smoking is not allowed. Have your car cleaned. Wash out the ashtray and fill it with toothpicks, lollipops or snacks.

See a pattern? So, do you know what type of smoker you are? More than one type? If you printed the worksheet, write down what type of smoker you are and three tips that could help you.