January is the Best Month to Quit Smoking

Every moment is the best moment to give up bad habits. But a new research suggests that January is the apt time to quit smoking.

The researchers studied more than 7,000 young people. They found that people who decided to quit smoking in the first month of the year were less likely to take up the habit again.

The study authors explained that New Year resolutions could play a big role in stopping people from smoking. This is also shows that how far the person will be successful in quitting smoking.

"Studies over the last decade show that one of the single biggest factors in predicting whether someone will stop smoking is how motivated they are. A January deadline can give a bit of extra motivation," researcher Professor Linda Bauld of University of Stirling said, according to Health Canal.

The study found that just 4 percent of those who decide to stop smoking purely on their will power basis are likely to succeed.

The authors also said that motivation from friends to stop smoking could play a major role. "Social support is important. For example, one of the biggest determinants of whether a woman manages to stop during pregnancy is if her partner also stops," said Professor Bauld.

According to the researchers, people should not give up. Furthermore, the authors said that that many people have successfully quit after several attempts.

"If we can delay someone becoming a smoker, that in itself is an achievement," Professor Bauld said. "The more often you try to stop, the more likely you are to be successful eventually," said Bauld.