Monday is for looking out on the horizon and recommitting to taking a long-term view. You’re on a journey. A relapse doesn’t mean you’ve stopped quitting. It’s time to recover, renew, and take control. Let’s explore some new tactics, get some fresh ideas, and recommit to quit.
A slip is having a cigarette or two after you commit to quit but a relapse is undoing your quit and smoking again regularly. If you’ve had either of these, let’s look at some reasons and find solutions. Don’t wait to do it, dive back into your quit!
- Remain positive. Any negative thinking will just decrease your chance of quitting.
- Review the triggers. Something caused you to slip or relapse so take time to contemplate what happened and even write the triggers down.
- Renew your commitment. Review the reasons you quit in the first place and see if they are still motivators. If not, put some effort into finding new ones: better health, a cleaner home, stronger self-control, for your family and friends, and so on.
- Rid your space. Make a clean sweep of your home, office, and car, and chuck those unsmoked cigarettes. Make sure you clean out all ashtrays and any lingering smell of smoke.
- Reach out. Don’t hesitate to see your healthcare provider if you need help with nicotine patches, medications, or support. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and professional support systems.
- Re-quit right away. Don’t let your relapse convince you to put off your quit. If you can, quit again (on a Monday!) soon after you’ve reflected on your relapse.
Having a plan after your slip or relapse increases your ability to quit and stay quit. Start the week encouraged and invigorated to give your quit another try this Monday. As Audrey Hepburn said, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’”
How have you gotten back on track after a relapse? Share your tips with other smokers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram with #IQuitMonday.