Stoptober

REDUCE THE RISK OF COVID-19 AND QUIT SMOKING THIS OCTOBER!

It is scientifically proven that if you stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good. Stoptober is similar to October, just without the cigarettes. With the growing concerns of Covid-19 cases relating to smokers, now is the time to stop for good. If you’ve tried quitting before but found it difficult, try again this month and you’ll be joining thousands of others as you collectively kick the habit.

The addiction lies with nicotine, but just the act of smoking can be addictive. For example, you might always light up during your lunch break, or when you get home from work. Perhaps you always have a cigarette with a cup of tea, and when you crave one you find yourself wondering what to do with your hands.

The current pandemic is a stressful time for the majority of us, but for a smoker, there is a toxic circle developing. Some see smoking as a stress-reliever however, smoking is proven to increase your chance of suffering a bad case of Covid-19.

Smoking harms your lungs meaning you are more susceptible to respiratory diseases including Covid-19.

Not only does quitting improve your health instantly, but it’s also good for your wallet. A person who smokes 20 cigarettes a-day will save around £275 a month, which is over £3,000 a year. If money is the primary reason pushing you to quit, then use the old, tried-and-tested method of putting the money you’ve saved into a jar each week. You’ll soon have saved up enough for a holiday or a nice treat for you and the family.

Did you know, just 24 hours after having your last cigarette your lungs will already be working to clean out the debris left behind by tobacco smoke. After 48 hours you’ll notice that you can smell and taste better, and after 72 hours your energy levels will be on the rise. It really doesn’t take long to notice the difference. Experience this for yourself this October!

As the weeks, months and years pass smoke-free, your circulation will improve, your lung function will increase and you’ll massively reduce your risk of a heart attack and lung cancer. 

The withdrawal symptoms often put smokers off quitting. You may feel irritable, have an increased appetite and struggle to concentrate. Keep in mind that all of this is temporary and that the benefits of quitting far outweigh the difficult withdrawal process.

Don’t go ‘cold turkey’ if the thought scares you. There’s plenty of support available online, from your doctor and at your local pharmacy. Anyone you speak to will be pleased to hear that you’re trying to give up cigarettes. Try e-cigarettes and ‘vape’, gum or patches and see which works best for you.

There are many campaigns online and apps that will help you through it. SmokeFree is a free app available to download on IPhone and Android. This app helps you to see how much money you have saved, how your health has improved and also gives you daily activities to do if you are craving a cigarette.

Do it together! Find someone, a friend, work colleague or loved one and help motivate each other to stop smoking. A problem shared is a problem halved after all!

It’s never too late to quit!