Believe it or not, 2022 is right around the corner. Like each new year, it offers a chance to refresh our outlook, set new goals and make resolutions. One of the most popular? Quitting tobacco. It’s the smartest decision you can make, and a huge first step on the road to a healthier, happier and more financially secure life. Let us help you with your quit tobacco prep!

Getting resolutions to stick isn’t easy. The good news: quitting tobacco isn’t like any other resolution. Why? Because you have the FREE support of the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.

This new year, make a clean break from tobacco! Check out these 7 tips for quitting tobacco and remember — for FREE help, visit OKhelpline.com or call 1-800-QUIT NOW.

1. Make a Plan

Set a quit date. Take a look at your calendar and a pick a day that’s far enough ahead to let you accomplish some of the tips listed here. Think about whether quitting during a weekday or on the weekend would work better. The most important part? Sticking to your date and using these 31 days of quitting tobacco tips!

2. Make a Clean Sweep

Cleaning your house is one of the most critical steps to stop smoking. Throw away ashtrays, matches and lighters. Look in drawers, bags, coat pockets or anywhere else where a stray cigarette may be. Wash your drapes, towels and any other linens, and shampoo your carpet, too.

3. Go For the New Car Smell

Clean up your car’s interior, and shampoo floor mats, seats, upholstery and even the ceiling to remove the smell of cigarettes. Wash your windows — especially in the corners where smoke residue may have collected. Check seatbacks and go through your glove box and center console to hunt down any lighters or stray cigarettes. Soak any leftover tobacco products under water so you cannot use them.

4. Air Out Your Laundry

Wash your clothes and anything that smells like smoke, including gloves, hats and shoes. If you have a coat you wore on smoke breaks, get it dry cleaned. Or, you can toss it and do a little shopping to freshen up your wardrobe!

5. Clear Your Workspace

Just like your home and car, clear your office or workspace of anything that reminds you of smoking. Go through drawers and toss any lighters or empty packs of cigarettes you might find.

6. Freshen Up Your Appetite

As you learn to live a tobacco-free life, try to make healthy food choices at every meal. Replace high-calorie foods with healthy, low-calorie choices like yogurt, fresh fruits and vegetables. Some other ways to distract yourself from smoking include keeping your hands and mouth busy. Try crunchy foods like like these:

• Pretzels
• Rice cakes
• Air-popped popcorn (without butter)
• Carrots

Or, keep your hands busy by choosing these foods that take longer to eat:

• Oranges
• Sunflower seeds
• Pistachios

7. Get Some Fresh Air

The winter blues are real — and they can lead to slip ups. How can you fight them? Bundle up and head outside! Breathing in crisp, fresh air will help you forget cravings in no time!

These are just a few ideas to help you quit. You can also try some brain games, puzzles and advanced coloring sheets at OKhelpline.com, too.

For even more help and 24/7 nonjudgmental support, try our FREE services and pick the ones that are right for you. Visit OKhelpline.com or call 1-800-QUIT NOW for more information.