According to The World Health Organisation, tobacco kills up to half of its users. On the 11th March 2020, we acknowledge No Smoking Day – an awareness campaign that encourages smokers to quit using cigarettes, to raise awareness of the health risk of smoking and to celebrate those who have kicked the habit in the past.
Here we share some tips to quit smoking
- Why are you quitting? – Before you begin your detox, ask yourself, why do you want to quit? Is it for your own health? Or is it to protect a loved one from second-hand smoke? Use your answer as your motivation throughout your journey.
- Check in with your GP – Before you think about going ‘cold turkey’, discuss the best method of quitting cigarettes for you, with your GP. They will be able to provide you with information on various support groups, apps and medication if necessary.
- Prioritise self-care – Quitting an addiction is no easy feat. Make sure that you focus on your wellbeing by doing activities that help you unwind. Listen to your favourite music or podcast, socialise with your friends, or reward yourself with a spa treatment when you hit a milestone.
- Avoid triggers – Many smokers lapse in their attempts at quitting when they hit a trigger, for example, drinking alcohol and eating out. Try and find an alternative to distract your mind, such as chewing gum or texting a friend instead.
Those who smoke put themselves at a much higher risk of developing cancer in their lungs, mouth, throat, bladder and liver, among other parts of the body.
Smoking also damages your heart and your blood circulation, increasing your risk of developing conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
Smoking doesn’t just affect the health of the smoker; it can also have the same negative effects on those breathing in the second-hand smoke – also known as passive smoking.
