Why Your New Year’s Resolution To Quit Smoking Never Works Out How You Planned

Quitting smoking is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but so many people give up after just the first few weeks. If this is you, or if you’re worried about turning into one of those people, know that it’s not entirely your fault! There are lots of reasons that New Year’s resolutions in general just don’t work out the way we plan. In this article, we’ll take a look at why and give you some guidance to get back on the right track.

Too Much Pressure

Judgement from our peers is stressful at the best of times! When it comes to resolutions for the new year, they tend to be very public, and this can create a lot of stress. When the pressure gets too much and people inevitably have that moment of weakness, there is no foundational support to build you back up.

We’re not saying don’t tell your friends that you’re quitting smoking, as holding yourself accountable is an excellent way to make sure you stay on track. It’s just good to have an understanding that there will be external pressures, and you need to shut out that negativity. You’re on your own journey here, if you make a mistake get back up and try again. Just because you had a slip up here or there, doesn’t mean you can’t eventually succeed.

Were You Really Prepared?

Okay, let’s get real. If quitting smoking was your new years resolution, chances are you made that decision on a whim at a New Years Eve party after a few too many drinks. Although it’s a better decision to make than, say, deciding to make out with your ex at midnight, it still most likely lacked any real thinking through and any preparation.

If you want to quit smoking for a New Year’s resolution, a better way to go about it to make sure you’re prepared is to start on about the 5th of January – instead of the first. You’ll be well recovered from your New Year’s celebrations, and will have had enough time to go home and really prepare for the journey you’re about to embark on. That way, you can get rid of anything that may be a trigger, stock yourself up with quit smoking aids, and have some time to destress and ease into it.

Unrealistic Expectations

On any quit smoking journey, you can’t expect it to be all smooth sailing. Most of the people who try to quit and then fail do so because of unrealistic expectations of how their journey will go. It’s different for everyone, but nicotine withdrawal is real and it isn’t something that you can just quit cold turkey. Of course, this doesn’t mean it’s not 100% doable.

When making the decision to quit, be realistic with yourself. You’re going to have certain people, places or things that are triggers for your cravings. You’re not going to be 100% at your best the whole way through, and you’re going to need some form of nicotine replacement therapy to help you out in the first few weeks at least. As soon as you come back down to earth with your expectations, your goals will seem much more achievable.

Lack of Support

Even though this is your own personal journey, a good support system will make all the difference. If you’re in an environment with a social group who are all instigators for your smoking habit, they aren’t going to be very helpful after you decide to quit. Smoking is heavily an environmental habit, and many people tend to relapse because they refuse to change their environment, because it doesn’t offer enough support.

You don’t have to throw out your friend group altogether to quit smoking effectively. Just try to surround yourself primarily with people who will be supportive and patient with you. Ask around, you may find you have another friend who is looking to quit and then you can go through the journey together! Otherwise, maybe try to see your family more during your journey, and be grateful for those who are helping you through.

You Can Do It! Quit Smoking With NRT Products

Taking Nicorette gum, lozenges or patches as a form of NRT can really make a world of difference to your quit smoking journey. If you’re struggling with your new year’s resolution, or just thinking about giving up the habit, get prepared with a subscription service of your preferred nicotine replacement products. Shop online today.