How to get started
Quitting is hard but it’s the best thing you’ll ever do and will change your
life. It can be easier if you have a plan, so here are some practical steps
you can take today to get started…
1. Prepare for the day you quit and avoid temptation. Choose a quit date that’s unlikely to be stressful and make sure you don’t have any cigarettes, lighters or matches on you. Avoid the pub or other places where people might be smoking.
2. Get support and expert advice. Quitting smoking is easier when the people in your life support you. Let them know you’re planning to quit and explain how they can help. Also, talk to your local stop smoking service, pharmacy team, doctor or practice nurse about stop smoking medicines that can help with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
3. Remember all the reasons why you’re quitting. Before you actually quit, it’s important to know why you’re doing it. Different people have different reasons for stopping smoking, including: feeling great, reduced health risks, save money. improved breathing and general fitness, fresher breath, improved sense of smell and taste, less stress and anxiety, and cleaner lungs and a stronger heart.
4. Learn how to cope with cravings. Plan ahead and come up with a list of short activities you can do when you get a craving, such as talk to someone – call a friend or relative to get some support; go for a brisk walk – this will help clear your head and lungs; stay busy – play a game on your mobile; drink a glass of water or juice – keep yourself occupied for those crucial few minutes; and change scene – just moving to another room can help, or step outside and get some fresh air.
5. Remember there’s no such thing as “just one” cigarette! Keep busy, and if you find a certain time of day hard, try a new routine. You CAN do it!