Breaking A Bad Habit

Recently, I’ve decided to take control of my nicotine habit once and for all – I’m going to quit.  Having been a light smoker for the past couple of years, I feel that my semi-serious aspiration of living to 100 will probably not be realized should I continue to indulge in cigarettes. 

May 31st is World No Tobacco Day, a day the World Health Organization chose to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use.  Tobacco kills almost six million people annually, with many of those deaths also resulting from secondhand smoke. 

I think this date is fitting for my “quit” date --  a new beginning, if you will.

I work for AT&T, which means I’m constantly researching news ways to incorporate technology into my everyday life, as a way to make tasks more convenient, connect with friends and family or learn something new.  Given that my smartphone can offer me tools on everything from how to grow a garden to creating the perfect “to-do” list, I thought I would find out whether there were any apps that could help me stop smoking.  To my surprise, there are many creative apps employing all kinds of tactics that can aid users who want to quit smoking.

Here are a few of my top smoking cessation apps:

• LIVESTRONG’s MyQuit Coach app, for iPhone users, is free and creates a personalized plan for you by evaluating your current status, setting goals, and adjusting preferences. 

• Quit Smoking by Azati, an app used by my Android-wielding friend, also seems like a unique tool that is designed to wean you off cigarettes slowly and gently. 

• After much deliberation, I have decided on the QuitNow! App, which is free for both Android and iPhone users.  The QuitNow! App enables you to learn the exact time since your last cigarette with complete financial savings information included.

Wish me luck!