Shutterstock / Pedro Bento©We have 5 easy tips to help you give up smoking. That makes it sound easy and, anyone who has ever tried to give up will know just how difficult it can be. However, it’s also one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
Too often we read about the many negative impacts of smoking and, while this serves to remind people of the very real dangers, our stopping smoking health feature by Jackie Mitchell (in January 28 issue) focusses on all the benefits to be had. And the body’s amazing ability to recover almost as soon as you put out that last cigarette.
5 Easy Tips To Help Stop Smoking
- Set a date on when you will become a non-smoker. Visualise yourself in this healthier group and know that you are the one in control of staying in this camp. Let family and friends know you’re stopping smoking. Not only does it give them an opportunity to support you, it will also give them an understanding if you’re perhaps a bit cranky (I’m talking from experience, here!)
- Don’t be too proud to ask for help. Your GP or local pharmacy will be all too willing to help you on your journey to becoming a non-smoker. They can give advice on what’s available to help curb the cravings, whether that’s nicotine replacement products or smoking cessation clinics where you would benefit from being around other people going through exactly the same thing as you.
- Keep yourself busy. If you have set times when you would normally smoke, break the habit. Take yourself off to do something else. If you usually have a cigarette after your evening meal, for instance, go for a walk instead. Exercise is the perfect distraction and will enhance your healthier outlook. If you’re looking to busy your hands, try knitting or art.
- When cravings hit, remind yourself of all the reasons why you want to stop. Physically write down the benefits. This may include, being able to breathe more easily; no lingering smell of smoke on hair and clothes; being a role model for children/grandchildren.
- Along with the obvious physical benefits of stopping smoking, there’s also a financial reward, too. Put aside the money you would have spent on cigarettes and keep it separate from any other savings so you can see exactly how much isn’t going up in smoke. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the cash builds up. Treat yourself to a new outfit or use the savings for a holiday.
Above all, remember when cravings strike, they do pass. And each and every month as a non-smoker becomes easier. As a non-smoker you will enable your body to recover. The benefits begin almost immediately. For instance, after just 20 minutes the pulse rate returns to normal. After 12 months your risk of a heart attack will be half that of a smoker.
There’s lots more helpful advice on the NHS website.
Get the issue!
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You can read Jackie Mitchell’s interview with Amy Murgatroyd from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), in “The People’s Friend”, January 28 issue. Available online or from most major supermarkets and newsagents. Or, to make sure you never miss out, you can subscribe to get every issue delivered straight to your door each week.
Read more Health tips from the “Friend”.
Yvonne McKenzie I work on the Features team and admit to being nosy, so I love looking after the Between Friends letters and finding out all about our lovely readers. I also look after our health copy and enjoy writing about inspiring people that help make the articles in the magazine so interesting.
