It’s no secret that smoking cigarettes is bad for your health. As hard as it is, it’s never too late to get started to your journey to stop smoking and have no doubt, you will benefit from it.
Being smoke-free not only adds years to your life, but also greatly improves your chances of a disease-free, longer and healthier life.
Want to stop smoking for good?
Try these 5 techniques to start improving your health and stop smoking today!
- Talk to your GP
Your GP can help you quit smoking by enrolling you in a ‘stop smoking’ clinic and prescribing nicotine replacement therapy.
- Think positive and make a plan
You might have tried to quit smoking many times before and not managed it, but don’t let that put you off. Look back at the reasons why you gave in and think about what can you do differently this time. Speak with others who have quit for good and surround yourself with non-smoking friends who can support you.
- Consider using a nicotine-containing product
Cigarettes are addictive, and self-control alone might not be enough for you to stop entirely. Nicotine replacement therapy can increase your chance of success. Talk to your GP to find out the best treatment for you.
4. Make changes to your diet
Meat, fizzy drinks, alcohol and coffee can make cigarettes taste better. On the other hand cheese, fruit and vegetables, can make cigarettes taste terrible. So why don’t you swap your usual steak for a veggie burger instead? Making small and healthy changes to your diet can reduce your need to reach for a cigarette.
- Get moving
Exercise, even as little as a five-minute walk or a short stretch, can cut cravings and may help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals which can prevent the urge for a cigarette. Next time you crave cigarettes instead of reaching for one be strong and reach for your trainers instead.
It’s important to remind yourself why you are on a mission to stop. Giving up smoking can have a huge impact on your health in so many ways, but these are our 5 favourite reasons to stop smoking.
- You’ll breathe more easily
When you give up smoking your lung capacity improves by up to 10% within 9 months. Having maximum lung capacity can mean the difference between having an active, healthy old age and struggling when you go for a walk or climb the stairs.
- You’ll have more energy
Within 2 to 12 weeks of stopping smoking your blood circulation improves, making all physical activities much easier. You’ll also give a boost to your immune system and the increase in oxygen in the body can reduce tiredness and the likelihood of headaches.
- You’ll feel less stressed
Let’s address this myth once and for all… smoking doesn’t directly reduce stress. On the contrary, scientific studies show people’s stress levels are lower only after they stop smoking. Although smoking may provide a temporary sense of calm, it doesn’t fix the underlying cause of the stress. There are plenty of ways, such as exercising, massage therapy and meditation, in which you can replace smoking with a healthier and more effective way of dealing with stress.
- Your fertility will improve
Quitting smoking increases the possibility of conceiving and reduces the likelihood of having a miscarriage. Above all, it improves the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.
- You’ll have a better sense of smell and taste
When you stop smoking, your senses of smell and taste get a boost. You may notice that food tastes and smells different as your mouth and nose recover from being dulled by the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.
You can do it! Improve your health by giving up for good.
For more information and support, visit the NHS website.