WE’VE FEATURED QUITE A FEW ARTICLES ABOUT THE HEALTH AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF QUITTING SMOKING OVER THE YEARS. HOWEVER, SOMETIMES WHAT YOU NEED IS SOMETHING A BIT MORE PRACTICAL.

So today His & Hers is sharing some top tips to break the habit…

You know that smoking is bad for you. People are probably telling you to quit the habit all the time. It’s dangerous to your health, they will say, and it’s bad for those around you. They will tell you how much your clothes smell, the amount of money you are burning away, and the effects it has having on your family. Smoking is a terrible addiction to have, that’s a fact. But no matter how many times somebody reminds you of this, there is one major problem. It’s an addiction, and giving up isn’t that easy. You need help. And that is where these top tips come in. While seeing your doctor is a must for professional advice and treatments, we have some ideas that may also make kicking the habit easier. Consider the following.

• Make a list of the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle, and refer to the list everytime you feel like a smoke. Benefits include the extra cash you will have in your pocket each month, a healthier lifestyle for yourself, better skin, better breath, a better chance for a longer life, and a healthier atmosphere for those around you. Aren’t these things worth giving up smoking for? Of course they are. Read our previous article on the benefits of a smoke-free life here, hisandhersmag.co.uk, and consider the research within.

• Make a list of distractions, those things that can help you when the craving hits. Write it and abide by it, setting a plan in action for different times of the day. Distractions could include walking the dog, getting a shower, playing games with the kids, chewing on some gum, practicing meditation, eating a healthy snack, doing the housework, and so on and so on. Focus on the things that will distract your mind, mouth, and hands, taking away one habit to focus on a healthier other.

• Get rid of anything that reminds you of smoking, such as cigarette cartons, lighters, matches, ashtrays, etc. Out of sight, out of mind. That’s the theory anyway, though you will still need willpower not to replace them. Avoid the places where you regularly buy cigarettes, too, and if you have any family or friends who smoke, tell them to do it well away from you.

• Consider vaping. While the jury is still out on whether vaping is good for you, one thing still holds true. It’s definitely better than smoking nicotine. Thousands of smokers a year have benefited from this smoking alternative, and it has proven to be one of the more effective ways to give up regular cigarettes. You can buy what you need online at Vapeshop.co.uk, as well as on your high street at your local vaping store.

• Seek support, finding those people who can help you quit successfully. This can include family and friends, counselling services, and addiction groups. The NHS has a range of services that can help you, and you can find them at nhs.uk/live-well. There are also self-help books available, so head over to Amazon for a list of what is available.

Giving up smoking is tough, but don’t let that be an excuse to stop trying. If you do have a relapse, don’t assume you have failed, either. Start again, and take steps to help you avoid falling back into the old habit. You can do it, and your life will benefit as a result.

We’re very proud to bring you this feature in association with Vape Shop (giving us yet another excuse to harp on about the benefits of quitting smoking!) If you’ve recently given up, we’d love to hear from you. Please tell us about what helped you beat your cravings in the comments section below.

For related features, please pay a visit to our lifestyle page.