Staying Quit

You may not feel confident in your ability to stay smokefree for a while. Keep doing the things you did to avoid smoking when you first quit and consider building other healthy habits to support your new smokefree life. There’s a lot you can do to help yourself—for now and for the future.

Photo of a woman shopping for nectarines at fruit stand

Photo of a couple standing together in a field smiling at one another, a man with his arm around the woman

How to Stay Smokefree

Quitting is hard, and so is staying smokefree. Here are steps to help you now and long term.

Photo of a woman riding her bike down a paved, tree-lined road.

Dealing with Weight Gain After Quitting

Some people gain weight after they quit smoking, but there are ways to avoid weight gain or lose weight while quitting.

Photo of a young woman with red hair wearing a leather jacket. She's leaning against a stone railing in a city.

Slips Happen

Quitting smoking is a process. You may slip and smoke a cigarette, but it is possible to get back on track.

A photo of two women sit drinking coffee, smiling, and talking

Do Good to Feel Good

Learn how doing something nice for others can distract you from cravings and make your day better.

Photo of three women sitting on the patio of a coffeehouse, sipping drinks and eating pastries.

Coping With Stress Without Smoking

Part of quitting is finding ways to cope without cigarettes. Try these better ways to deal with your emotions.

Photo of a woman walking along a raised path through a sunlit forest with a lake in the distance

Practice Mindfulness

Many people who quit smoking find mindfulness helps them cope with cravings and work through stress and depression.

Photo of a senior couple walking up a gently sloped path.

Fight Cravings with Exercise

Craving a cigarette is normal when you quit smoking. Exercise can distract you and keep you busy until it passes.

Photo of a man sitting outside on steps listening to headphones. His girlfriend sits next to him, holding her phone.

Benefits of Quitting

Quitting smoking can help most of the major parts of your body: from your brain to your DNA.

NIH… Turning Discovery Into Health^®

Release: