Ahh, summer. Long days, Major League Baseball, barbeques with friends, outdoor concerts… Okay, so we’re missing a few of those key things for this summer, but at least those long, sunny Oklahoma days are here. If you’re thinking about quitting tobacco, now is a great time to adopt new, healthier habits. Living tobacco free can help give you a sunny outlook and the energy to sail through the season. Take a look at our summer quit tobacco tips below!

COVID-19 and Quitting

With COVID-19 attacking the lungs, smoking makes it harder to recover. This means the odds of developing a serious case are much higher. What’s the best way to help your body fight back? Quitting tobacco. Your body makes IMMEDIATE progress when you do, there are so many benefits of quitting smoking.

Quitting is one thing, but staying tobacco free is another. There are many reasons former smokers slip. One is being around other smokers. However, with social distancing and limits on restaurant and bar capacity, people are being exposed to less secondhand smoke. This goes a long way in reducing slips, but we have the tips to help you stay tobacco free.

Build Your Quit Kit

Going for a nice, long walk? Taking the family on a day trip? Make a quit kit! Pack some gum or sunflower seeds — plus a book, magazine or crossword puzzle to keep your mind off cravings.

Your personal quit kit is just that. Personal. Think about ways to steer clear of pesky cravings and keep your quit kit in one place, ready to go when you are.

Don’t Let Quitting Tobacco Weigh You Down

You’ve probably heard about people gaining weight as they quit tobacco. The truth? Eating right and exercising will make you better equipped to fight cravings.

The best part about exercising? Keep reading.

It’s Your Move

The more exercise you do, the better your chances of beating tobacco. How can you start? Make time for 30 minutes of physical activity each day. It doesn’t have to be all at once. Splitting it into 10-minute chunks works just as well!

Our recommendation? Find an activity you enjoy. Pick up a basketball, pump your bike tires up or strap on your hiking boots. Get out and have fun!

You Are What You Eat

As you strive towards becoming tobacco free, try to make healthy recipe choices at every meal. Here are a few eating tips for keeping your body and mind healthy:

• Replace high-calorie foods with healthy, low-calorie choices.
• Look for low-calorie foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as yogurt and fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Eat sugar-free candy or juice pops, or chew sugar-free gum.
• Choose foods that take longer to eat and keep your hands busy, such as oranges or sunflower seeds in the shell.
• Try crunchy foods so your mouth has to work — like pretzels, rice cakes or air-popped popcorn without butter.
• Drink water during and between meals.
• Pick foods that have less fat and sugar, such as low-fat frozen yogurt.

The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline

Remember: COVID-19 attacks the lungs. This means smokers are at greater risk for developing serious cases, and so are people exposed to secondhand smoke. When you quit, you protect yourself and everyone around you — in more ways than one!

If you need extra help quitting, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline is here with FREE, 24/7, non-judgmental support to quit smoking. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW or click OKhelpline.com to get started.