Top tips for giving up smoking
Post categories: One Street One Goal,Ìýhealth,Ìýmoney
| 15:35 UK time, Friday, 19 February 2010
As some of the Portland Street residents in our One Street, One GoalÌýstrand know, giving up smoking is a massive health and lifestyle decision. It takes a huge amount of strength, support and willpower.
Smoking kills around 6,000 people in Wales every year and it is the single most preventable cause of premature death.Ìý
If you want to quit smoking browse our tips to give up for good.
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Watch this video featuring Liz Clarke from Stop Smoking Wales for some tips, and browse further hints below to help you quit smoking.
- Ask for support: as Liz advises, ask friends and family for support as you give up smoking. Websites such as , Ìý²¹²Ô»å Ìýcan also provide support and information. Research has shown that you are four times as likely to succeed in quitting with a support programme.
- Consider nicotine treatments: a wide range of nicotine replacement treatmentsÌýare available that you may consider while giving up smoking. These range from productsÌýsuch asÌýnicotine gum, lozenges and microtabs to nicotine patches, nasal sprays, inhalators and more. You could speak to your pharmacist or GP for further advice on what might be best for you.
- Diet and exercise: eat light meals, little and often to avoid over-eating. You may put on a little weight while giving up smoking, so try to introduce more physical activity into your routine. Exercise will help your body to cope with withdrawal symptoms, build your self confidenceÌý²¹²Ô»å improve yourÌýwellbeing. Again, consider speaking to your GP about this.
- Routine: change your old routine to avoid falling back into the habit. Try to identify the triggers in your day linked to your cigarette smoking, thenÌýalter your routine around these times.
- Money:Ìýit's hugely rewarding to work out how much money you're saving by giving up smoking. You could try using the Ìýon the Stop Smoking Wales site to get an estimate of what you're likely to save. And think about saving the money you would spend on cigarettes for a specific rewardÌýso you have aÌýgoal to work towards.
- Cravings: if you get a craving for a cigarette, remember it only lasts a few minutes. Try to keep your hands occupied by playing with a stress ball or you could even try a new hands-on hobby like knitting.
- Think positively: believe in yourself and take one day at a time. Stay positive: it only takes a moment of weakness and one puff on a cigarette to fall back into the habit.Ìý
Have you managed to give up the habit? Let us know below if you have any tips of your own on ditching the cigarettes.
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