Smoking: Choosing a Good Time to Quit

Overview

Your attempt to quit is more likely to succeed if you pick a good time. Anytime that you can focus your energy and attention on your goal of quitting tobacco is a good time to quit. This could include:

• Today, if you're motivated.
• On the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smoke-Out," which is the Thursday before Thanksgiving.
• On a special day, such as your birthday, New Year's Day, or the first day of a vacation.
• When you are ill or having a troublesome tobacco-related symptom.
• When a friend or relative is quitting.

Harder times to quit may include:

• High-stress times.
• Times when you feel low or depressed.
• After a serious loss or difficult life change, such as the death of someone close or a stressful move.

If your life is hectic, you may feel that there will never be a good time to quit. In that case, pick a time to quit. Then do what you can to make your life less stressful or busy than it usually is. Be aware that if you wait for a "perfect" time to quit, you may keep putting off the decision for years.