Why do You Want to Quit Smoking?

You’re thinking of quitting smoking. Do you know the reasons you want to quit? Do you want to be healthier? Save money? Keep your family safe? All of those reasons?

Photo of a mom helping her daughter blow bubbles in the park.

If you’re not sure, ask yourself these questions:

What do I dislike about smoking?
What do I miss out on when I smoke?
How is smoking affecting my health?
What will happen to me and my family if I keep smoking?
How will my life get better when I quit?

Once you know your reasons for quitting, remind yourself of them every day. It can inspire you to stop smoking for good.

Want to look, feel, and be healthier?

Here are some more reasons to consider.

My chances of having cancer, heart attacks, heart disease, stroke, cataracts, and other diseases will go down.
I will be less likely to catch colds or the flu, and will be able to recover quicker if I do get sick.
I will breathe easier and cough less.
My blood pressure will go down.
My skin will look healthier and I will look more youthful.
My teeth and fingernails will not be stained.

Quitting will make you feel better and improve your health. But there are other reasons to quit that you might not have thought about.

Want a better lifestyle?

I will have more money to spend.
I can spend more time with family, catch up on work, or dive into my favorite hobby.
I won't have to worry about when I can smoke next or where I can or can't smoke.
My food will taste better.
My clothes will smell better.
My car‚ home‚ and kids won't smell like smoke.
I will be able to smell food, flowers, and other things better.

Want a better family life?

I will set a great example for my kids; it takes a lot of strength to quit.
My friends, family, co-workers, and other loved ones will be proud of me.
I will protect my friends and family from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
My children will be healthier.
I will have more energy to do the things I love with friends and family.
I will get healthy to make sure I am around to share in my family's special moments.

Make a list of all the reasons you want to become smokefree. Keep the list in a place where you will see it often, like your car or where you used to keep your cigarettes. When you feel the urge to smoke, take a look at the list to remind yourself why you want to quit.