Four tips to help you stop smoking

According to the Gov.UK website one person quits smoking every 80 seconds in the UK, and 390,400 managed to stop smoking in 2017. Yet quitting smoking can be extremely difficult. After all, it’s an addiction and nicotine withdrawal symptoms can cause both psychological and physical issues. Here are our top tips to help you stop smoking permanently.

Use a local Stop Smoking Service

Stop Smoking Service centres are all over the country, and there will more than likely be one near where you live. These services are free and offer one-to-one support and medicines to aid you with your attempt to quit smoking. Your trained advisor will help you to create a plan to keep you smoke-free.These services are very successful and 9 out of 10 ex-smokers who have used the service would recommend it to others.

Get support from the people around you

It’s always helpful to talk about how you’re feeling with others – after all, a problem shared is a problem solved.

If you’re in the process of stopping smoking, let your friends and family know so they can support you, especially if they’ve quit smoking themselves in the past so they can offer guidance.

There are also lots of stop smoking communities both in person and online, made up of other people trying to quit who will support and cheer you on.

Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy works by supplying a small amount of nicotine to help you manage cravings while you are in the process of quitting smoking and to ease the negative withdrawal symptoms. Combined with a plan, nicotine replacement therapy can be an incredibly effective way to stop smoking.

Nicotine replacement therapy products include nicotine patches, gum, medication, inhalers and nasal sprays.

Keep yourself busy

One of the things that makes it so hard to stop smoking is how ingrained it becomes in your routine. To tackle this, make sure that you keep busy and try introducing new, healthy hobbies such as exercise, socialising with friends or getting creative.

Many smokers struggle with not having anything in their hands or mouth, so try hobbies which use your hands, fidget devices or holding your drink in the hand you would usually hold a cigarette in when you’re out. You can also try chewing gum to keep your mouth busy.

In conclusion, it may be difficult to stop smoking, but there are many ways you can make it easier for yourself. Getting support and using the resources available to help you stop smoking will give you the best chance of giving up cigarettes for good.