Stoptober - Stop a habit that's bad for your health and pocket | Tenant news

Stoptober encourages people to give up smoking for 28 days every October, but you can start working towards a smoke-free life at any time of year.

If you’re thinking about quitting, there are plenty of reasons to give it a go, from improving your health to having more money left over each week.

The benefits of quitting

Giving up smoking can improve your health, help you feel better and leave you with more money to spend on other things. Your body starts to recover as soon as you stop, and within days or weeks you may notice that food tastes better, breathing feels easier and you have more energy.

Over time, quitting also lowers your risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. It can help your mental wellbeing as well, with many people finding that their stress, anxiety and depression improve after the initial withdrawal period.

Most quitters  notice a difference in their finances, too. The NHS estimates that the average smoker could save around £49 a week by giving up, adding up to more than £2,500 a year. That’s money you could put towards your food shop, household bills or something you enjoy.

Read more about the benefits of quitting smoking on the NHS website.

Getting ready to quit

Having a plan can help you prepare for cravings and work out what might make quitting easier. Here are a few things to think about before you get started:

• Remember why you want to quit. Improving your health, saving money or spending more time with loved ones can help you stay focused.
• Work out what triggers your cravings. You might usually smoke during a break, after a meal or when you’re feeling stressed. Knowing your triggers can help you plan how to handle them.
• Tell friends and family. Letting people know you’re quitting gives them a chance to encourage you along the way.
• Find out about stop-smoking treatments. Nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gum and lozenges, can help ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

If you’ve tried to quit before and found it difficult, don’t let that put you off trying again. It can take several attempts to stop smoking for good, and the right help can make a difference.

Where to find help

If you’re ready to quit smoking, there are different ways to get help along the way. 

Your GP can talk you through treatments and medicines that can help with cravings, and your local pharmacy may be able to advise you on stop-smoking products. You can also call the National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 for advice over the phone.

If you’d like to hear from others who are trying to quit, you can join the NHS Smokefree Facebook group. 

For more information about local stop-smoking services and the help available, visit the NHS website.

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