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Tips for Quitting Smoking and Vaping This Lunar New Year

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

So you want to quit smoking or vaping this Lunar New Year but aren’t sure where to start? Congratulations! You’ve already taken the first step.

Deciding to quit is a powerful choice that can bring many benefits: better health, freedom from nicotine dependence, and money saved.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are 5 tips to help you on your quitting journey no matter where you are starting from:

Create a quitting plan

Preparation is the first step. Taking a few small steps before your official “Day One” can help make quitting smoking or vaping feel more manageable. As part of your plan you can:

Set a quit date: Choose a specific date to give yourself a clear starting line.
Consult a professional: Chat with your doctor or pharmacist about different quit methods you can use.
Find your “Why”: Write down your personal motivation for quitting; whether it’s for your health, your family, or to save money.
List your triggers: Identify the moments (like stress or social settings) that make you reach for a cigarette or vape so you can plan your detour. We talk more about this point in the next section of this article!
Calculate your savings: Use the Quit.org.au calculator to see exactly how much money you’ll save.

Track your triggers with a quit diary

Identifying your smoking or vaping triggers can help you prepare. Keeping a quit diary may help you notice patterns in your behaviour. Try to track:

The moment: Date and time of the craving.
The context: What were you doing? (e.g. driving or finishing a meal).
The mood: How were you feeling? (e.g. stressed or bored).
The intensity: Rate the craving from 1 to 10.

Knowing your triggers doesn’t make the cravings disappear, but it can help you plan how to cope with them.

Beat your cravings with the 4 Ds

Smoking and vaping can quickly become part of your daily routine. When a craving hits, you can try implementing the 4 Ds to help ease the craving.

Delay acting on the urge to smoke or vape: Wait a few minutes, the craving will decrease.
Deep breath: Take three slow deep breaths to help calm your nervous system.
Distract: Shift your focus to a hobby – such as exercising or reading.
Drink water: Sip slowly and savour the taste.

Vietnamese community leader Lan-Anh Dam (Anna).

Don’t give up

Progress isn’t always a straight line and that’s okay. If you experience a setback, view it as a learning experience. For some people, it may take several attempts to quit successfully. Each attempt gives you valuable information about what your triggers are and which tools work best for you.

Vietnamese community leader Lan-Anh Dam (Anna) says, “Vietnamese Lunar New Year is a time to care for our health and the people we love. Choosing to quit smoking or vaping is a meaningful step forward. Every smoke- or vape-free day sets you up for a healthier year ahead.”

Build your personal support squad

Research shows quitting is easier with support. A friend, family member, or ‘quit buddy’ can encourage you and help you stay on track. While it may not always be easy to avoid environments where smoking or vaping is common, try not to feel pressured. Remember why you started and keep focusing on your quitting journey.

There is more professional quit support available than ever before to help you succeed. These include:

Speaking with a health professional. Your GP or pharmacist can advise if any medications are appropriate to help you stop smoking and/or vaping.
You can download the MyQuitBuddy app to help you stay smoke and/or vape free on the go.
Calling the Quitline on 13 78 48 to speak directly with a trained counsellor. If you prefer to speak in a language other than English, simply request an interpreter when you call. Quitline will arrange for an interpreter to join the line as quickly as possible, so the counsellor can talk with you about quitting smoking or vaping and help you build a personalised quit plan that works for you.

For practical advice on what to expect, visit Quit.org.au or health.gov.au/GiveUpForGood/translated for resources in English and Vietnamese.