That title suggests I am going to advise you about the best cigarettes on the market doesn’t it? Well I’m not! It’s gross and it’s not cool and you should quit you naughty little hedonist!! That’s the tough love bit over with. Now for some actual suggestions that helped me when I quit a year and a half ago.
I had smoked for 10 years and genuinely thought I would never quit. I had tried a few times but only because I thought I should and not because I really wanted to. I would always end up going back. I even remember saying the words to friends “I just love smoking, I don’t want to quit”. I thought I would be a smoker for life.
I’m not sure what triggered the change of heart but when I decided to quit last time I really, really wanted to quit. I had had enough. I remember frequently thinking whilst smoking, “why am I doing this? I don’t even enjoy it any more” So I decided to quit. One day I just decided that would be it and I wouldn’t smoke any more. Then of course my cravings had other ideas so I joined a no smoking clinic. Not everyone has time for that though. Especially the people I know living in London. Everyone is always too busy.
So as its No Smoking Day today so I thought I would share some of the things that helped me to quit.
1 – The NHS quit smoking app is REALLY helpful. Not only does it give you handy tips and info but it also tells you how much money you’re saving.
2 – Mint mouth spray. This one may sound a little weird and not work for everyone but spritzing a mint mouth spray really helped me with cravings following using the Nicorette spray.
3 – Reward yourself. It could be weekly or monthly but reward your efforts. This is important! For every month I stuck with it I treated myself to something I considered a treat. From massages to a new pair of shoes or just something to eat that I REALLY enjoy and wouldn’t normally have, it helped knowing I would have that treat at the end of the month.
4 – Lollipops can help but obviously you don’t want to end up with a massive sugar addiction so be careful. I used to find that a lollipop kept my hands and mouth busy and away from reaching for the fag.
5 – Cut down on Alcohol. Every smoker knows that this is the biggest trigger. I quit drinking around the same time I quit smoking so it didn’t affect me too much. I would advise trying to take it easy on the booze for the first few weeks until you’re over the hump with the cigarettes. I also found coffee was a trigger for me so had to watch it with that as well.
6 – Deep breathing. Stress is another massive factor or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. Spray some of that mint mouth spray into your mouth and take a few deep breathes to relieve that stress. It will go away without the cigarettes.
I also warned everyone that I was quitting and that they should expect a Godzilla like presence for the first few weeks. You might want to do the same.
The New Obsession 