The Power of One Day: Why the Great American Smokeout’s 'Quit for a Day' Approach Works

KIRKLAND, WA, UNITED STATES, November 19, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Each year, the Great American Smokeout hosted by the American Cancer Society encourages people to put down their cigarettes for just one day. For many, this invitation can feel like a puzzle: how much difference can a single day make in a habit ingrained over years? Yet, research and behavioral psychology tell us that one day can be much more than a short pause; it can be a spark for real, lasting change. That spark matters in a big way when cigarette smoking is still responsible for about 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, and when people who smoke die, on average, about 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.

At 2Morrow, we understand the journey to quitting isn’t a one-size-fits-all path. What makes the Great American Smokeout so unique is that it meets people where they are by removing the overwhelming expectation of permanent change and focusing on something far more achievable: the next 24 hours. This aligns with an idea that is often emphasized: meaningful change starts with small, manageable steps.

Why Quitting for a Day Can Be the Perfect Starting Point

1. One Day Feels Possible, Even in the Face of Long-Term Challenges
When we focus only on the end goal, like giving up cigarettes forever, the journey can seem daunting. But committing to quit for just one day shifts the mindset from “forever” to “right now,” making the challenge feel attainable. This smaller goal is often the psychological stepping stone people need to begin.

2. A Chance to Tune into What Matters Most
Taking a day off from smoking gives people an opportunity to experience life without cigarettes - breathing a bit easier, feeling a little more control, even enjoying meals more deeply. It’s a chance to rediscover what life can feel like without tobacco’s influence and reconnect with personal values like health, family, and freedom. In fact, in a large study of more than 2,400 adults who smoked, people using a values-based, app-delivered program were about three times more likely to quit than the national average, suggesting that connecting quitting to what matters most can make a meaningful difference over time.

3. The Ripple Effect of Self-Confidence
Successfully quitting for a single day fosters a sense of accomplishment and proves that change is within reach. This one-day success can create a powerful sense of confidence, showing people that they’re capable of taking control, even when it feels hard. Each day without cigarettes inspires momentum to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

4. Building New Patterns: Even Just for a Day
The act of abstaining from smoking for a day also gives people a glimpse into alternative coping skills. Without cigarettes, individuals might turn to healthier habits like breathing exercises, a walk, or connecting with a friend. These new habits are small yet essential building blocks for longer-term change.

One Day Isn’t Just a Day
The Great American Smokeout’s “one-day challenge” offers more than a break from smoking; it’s a window into what change can look like. For many, successfully making it through 24 hours without a cigarette is proof that quitting is within reach. This small victory sets the stage for longer-term goals and shows that meaningful change starts with a single step.

By participating in this year’s Great American Smokeout on November 20, individuals take a stand for their well-being and reconnect with what matters most, opening the door to a future beyond their next cigarette. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest actions can pave the way to a smoke-free life.

Looking for Quit Support?
If you're ready to take the first step toward a smoke-free life, help is available. Many states offer free or low-cost resources through their health departments. You can also check with your employer, health plan, or community health organization to see what quit support programs are available to you.

About 2Morrow: 2Morrow is a leading provider of evidence-based digital behavioral health and wellness solutions, including tobacco and nicotine cessation. Our efforts in assisting people to quit smoking have consistently yielded positive outcomes, supported by a Phase III randomized controlled trial involving 2,400 participants and more than 12 peer-reviewed publications. Trusted by some of the nation's largest employers, states, and health plans, we've empowered over a million individuals on their journey to improved health, showcasing our dedication to expanding access to care. At 2Morrow, we're committed to using innovative technology and research to drive impactful change and expand access to care. For more information, please visit www.2morrowinc.com

Deanna Waters
2Morrow
media@2morrowinc.com
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