By Lacoadia Burkes, Acting Bureau Chief, Tobacco Free Florida
(NAPSI)—New Year’s resolutions often focus on health, finances, and fitness, but quitting tobacco might be the one change that unlocks them all. According to recent research, nearly four in five New Year’s goals involve improving health. Other perennial favorites include things like having a better financial outlook and being more active. One thing these and many other self-improvement goals have in common is—quitting tobacco is one of the best and most impactful ways to achieve them.
Connection Between Resolutions and Quitting Smoking
When you quit smoking, your body will start to reward you almost immediately. Within days, your sense of taste and smell improves. Within weeks, your breathing becomes easier, and your circulation improves. And over time your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer drops significantly.
Financially, the impact is equally dramatic. A pack-a-day smoker in Florida spends over $2,000 a year on cigarettes. Think about what that money could mean for your family—a vacation, a down payment on a car, simply more breathing room in your monthly budget. If saving money is part of your resolution, keep a visual reminder of your goal, like a picture of that dream vacation or new car, in your wallet or on your mirror to stay motivated.
Why Resolutions Fail—and How to Succeed
Of course, we all know that even the most well-intended New Year’s resolutions often fail. Studies show that nearly half of people abandon their resolutions by the end of January. But here’s the important part: when it comes to your resolution to quit tobacco, you don’t have to go it alone—there is help.
Quitting without help can be extremely difficult, and for many people it takes several attempts to succeed. The good news is that evidence-based tools like nicotine replacement therapy—including gum, patches, and lozenges—can significantly improve your chances of keeping your resolution. Tobacco Free Florida, provides these products to free to all Floridians, regardless of insurance status.
Tools and Support to Help You Keep Your Resolution
If you plan to quit tobacco in 2026, Tobacco Free Florida offers a variety of free Quit Your Way services designed to meet you where you are. Group Quit classes are available both in-person and virtually, offered in English and Spanish. These sessions provide peer support and expert guidance as you navigate your quit journey. Phone Quit and Web Quit offer personalized coaching and support tailored to your schedule and preferences.
Your doctor or pharmacist can be an important part of your quit plan too. They can offer medical guidance and help you determine which quit tools may be most effective for sticking to your resolution.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Beyond using proven quit tools, there are practical steps you can take to help your resolution stick. Set a specific quit date and mark it on your calendar. Tell friends and family about your plan—their support and understanding can make a real difference. Remove triggers from your environment by getting rid of ashtrays, lighters, and any other items associated with smoking. Keep your “why” front and center. Whether it’s your health, your finances, or your family, remind yourself daily why you’re making this change.
Learning from Slip-Ups
Finally, remember that a slip-up doesn’t mean your resolution has failed. Just as many people restart their exercise or diet resolutions after a setback, you can get back on track with quitting tobacco. Use slip-ups as learning opportunities. What led to the slip-up? Do you always crave a cigarette in a certain place or while doing a certain activity? Understanding your triggers allows you to develop better strategies for your next quit attempt. Each attempt brings you closer to success.
With the right tools, support, and mindset, your 2026 resolution to become tobacco free can be the one that finally sticks. You can do it. We can help.
For more information about Tobacco Free Florida’s free Quit Your Way services, visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/QuitYourWay or call 877-U-CAN-NOW (877-822-6669).
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"New Year’s resolutions often focus on health, finances, and fitness, but quitting tobacco might be the one change that unlocks them all, advises Lacoadia Burkes, Acting Bureau Chief, Tobacco Free Florida."
