Stop smoking with our support during Stoptober this month

​Maybe it’s something you’ve been thinking about for a while or maybe it’s something you try NOT to think about! But stopping smoking is one of the biggest improvements to your health that you can make. 
 
In this blog post we will take about the various support options available to you and how we can help you move forward to kick the habit.

Remembering the reasons why it’s so important to stop:

​We know that smoking leads to disease and affects every organ in your body. Cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis; as well increasing your risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
 
But at stressful times like we are living through currently it can be particularly difficult to give up habits that we feel support us in our daily life such as smoking and alcohol.
 
The good news is that support is available to you throughout your stopping smoking journey. And waiting on the other side for you is a healthier body, improved energy levels, improved senses of taste and smell. The benefits continue to build the longer progress away from being a smoker.

​Source: www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Make a plan to succeed

With any change you want to make in life it’s good to have a plan: 

• Write it down. Make a list of your reasons why so you can refer back to them to keep on-track. 
• Share your goals. There’s something about sharing our goals that makes us feel more committed and accountable to achieve them.  Talk to friends and family members, they will be able to support you. 
• Make a plan. Think about what you’ll do if you feel the urge to smoke – maybe getting out for some fresh air, or finding something to occupy your hands perhaps cooking, crafts or a jigsaw. 
• Exercise. If you are able to, exercise will help – a walk in the park, swimming, cycling or yoga will help you to banish those cravings. 
• Mindfulness and meditation.

 
Mindfulness and meditation can help us to find time and peace during challenging times and could help you manage your feelings and see that any sensations you are experiencing are temporary and will pass. Why not try these useful and accessible mindfulness techniques. 

Get support: 

The NHS has a free app plus other resources that you can download to support your journey.
 
Plus don't forget your local pharmacy is here for you:
 
We can support you in our pharmacy. You can to talk to our Pharmacist about your Stoptober goals
and we can recommend over-the-counter products such as:
 
- Nicotine inhalators
- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine lozenges
- Nicotine chewing gum

However you choose to approach Stoptober being motivated and keeping your ultimate goals in mind will help you during your journey to becoming a smoke-free. These are certainly challenging times and taking care of our health has never been more important. Best of luck if you decide to give a go this October, you have everything to gain.