Quitting smoking can seem like a daunting task. You may have even tried before, only to take it up again a few weeks later. Cravings are difficult to ignore, and sometimes, changing a habit can seem impossible.
There’s no “right answer” for the best way to quit smoking – everyone is different, and different methods help different people.
There are several things you can do to support your journey to being smoke-free.
Use a Stop-Smoking Aid
Stop-smoking aids are designed to help wean you off cigarettes when you find that willpower is not enough. Using a stop-smoking aid is shown to improve your chances of quitting for good.
There are 3 types of aids:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- E-cigarettes
- Prescription tablets
NRTs include nicotine gum, patches, nasal sprays and inhalers to help you with your nicotine cravings. They can be purchased at your local pharmacy or prescribed by your GP.
E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, allow the smoker to breathe in nicotine in vapour rather than smoke. It also helps quitters by allowing them to feel the familiar sensation and habit of hand-to-mouth smoking. While not totally risk-free, they are much better for you than a cigarette – the NHS claims they are up to 95% less harmful.
Prescription drugs include Champix or Zyban. They can help reduce your cravings and also reduce the effects of a cigarette if you have one. They need to be taken two weeks before quitting and for a further 10 weeks after.
Try Yoga
Yoga will not only help your body become fitter (5 minutes of exercise has been shown to cut cravings), but it also incorporates breathing techniques that will help you manage the stresses of quitting.
Read more: What does smoking do to your body?
The breathing exercises will also help to clear your lungs as the body heals. Mindfulness and meditation can help you develop the mental strength to persist.
Plan Ahead
If you know you’re going to a place where your cravings may be worse (such as a party), make an escape/avoidance plan. Don’t be tempted by “just one drag”; instead, try to avoid unwanted situations and refrain from putting yourself in a position where your willpower could falter.
Talking to your smoking friends and family may help so they know not to smoke around you.
Join Stoptober
Stoptober, which occurs in October, is an excellent time to quit because thousands of others are also quitting and can offer support during this time.
Choose from apps and email support for advice right at your fingertips, and connect with others who are going through the same thing as you. They can also provide you with a personalised quitting plan of action to keep you on track.
Above all, perseverance and patience are key to quitting. Remember, the health benefits of quitting will more than make up for the difficultly of giving up. There’s plenty of help available to help you quit – speak to your local pharmacy or GP, or visit the NHS website for more information and help.
