Well done for taking the first step to quitting! In this article you will find out the benefits to quitting and tips and tricks to make quitting easier!

Why Quit? The Benefits of quitting:

There are so many benefits to stop smoking! Write a list of why you want to quit and what benefits it will have on your life. Keep the list in the places where you are likely to be triggered (at your desk or in the car) always keep one in your bag or pocket for on the go motivation! The list could look something like this:

Tips and tricks

Know your triggers

When you know what triggers you to smoke you can be more active in avoiding those situations or better prepared for them when they do happen. If you know feeling stressed causes you to smoke, you can practice mindful breathing instead to help deal with the craving. You may be able to plan ahead in order to avoid stressful situations so you don’t get the urge to smoke as often.

Escape Plans

Once you know what your triggers are it is good practice to have some escape plans if the craving becomes too much.  For example, all your friends are going out for a smoke and you have been dying for one all day, your escape plan could be telling your friends you’re going to the toilet while they go out for a smoke so you are occupied. Having some gum handy for stressful days at work is also a great escape plan, it will keep your mouth busy and your mind occupied. If you are struggling with non-inhalation escape plans take an ecig out with you so you aren’t tempted.

Tell your friends and family

Accountability means you are more likely to follow through with your plan. They can motivate you, check up on you. Celebrate your wins and help you through your dips.

Distract your hands and mouth

Using an ecig or straw to breathe through will satisfy the need to lift something to your mouth. Motor memory can be more addictive than nicotine, take a drink out with you when others smoke, get a fidget toy to occupy your hands or have a healthy snack to distract your mouth.

Spend time with non-smoking friends

Surround yourself with likeminded people, it will discourage you from standing outside in the cold while everyone else is toasty inside.

Recognise the routine

Did you smoke for the sake of it? Look back at your when and why you smoked, try and do these tasks without smoking. Focus on one at a time, try walking to work without one and you will soon recognise you were doing it out of habit rather than addiction.

Celebrate the small wins

Didn’t have a smoke on your lunch break? Be proud of it! Tell your friends and family so they can encourage you to go even further. Be kind to yourself and you will have a much more positive journey.

Calculate savings

Work out how much money you have saved, this will definitely keep you motivated when you realise how much money was being wasted on cigarettes.