HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF TO QUIT SMOKING

Deciding to quit smoking means you’ve just taken the first step in the journey to better health. But we know it can sometimes be hard to find the willpower to stop for good. It could be you’ve tried before but not quite managed to see it through.

Motivation to quit smoking

Improving your general health

Smoking can double the risk of a heart attack, increase the risk of cancer and lung disease, and also age the skin. But in just 72 hours after stopping, you could notice that you breathe easier and have more energy.

A year after quitting, your risk of a heart attack will have halved compared to that of a smoker. After 10 years, your risk of death from lung cancer will also be half that of a smoker.

There are lots of other health benefits of quitting too – and they could give you all the motivation you need to unlock a healthier, smoke-free future.

Saving money

The cost of smoking keeps going up – so you could make some significant savings when you stop. Thinking of what you could spend that money on may be a great motivation to quit.

Trying for a baby and pregnancy

Smoking can make it harder to have a baby and increase the risks to your baby if you’re pregnant. It can also lead to long-term issues such as:

• Ear, nose and throat problems

• Respiratory conditions

• Obesity

• Diabetes

So if you’re pregnant or looking to start a family, it’s a great time to give up smoking.

For loved ones

Cigarette smoke harms everyone who breathes it in, not just the smoker. It can increase the risk of wheezing and asthma in children, along with other conditions like infections in the ears and lungs.

It means that by quitting, you’re also benefitting those around you while doing something great for your own health.

Ways to stay motivated on your quit journey

Once you’ve decided to quit smoking there are plenty of things that can help you stay on track. Here are a few you could try.

Put it in writing

Write down your reasons for giving up and put these notes where you’ll regularly see them, such as on your fridge door.

If there are places where you would normally go to smoke, try sticking a reminder there in case you feel tempted.

Carry a photo

When a craving for a cigarette strikes, pull out a picture of someone who’s special to you, like a family photo. It will be a helpful reminder of why you decided to quit, and give you a bit of motivation you need to keep going.

Spread the word

Tell family and friends about your plan. That way, if you’re ever struggling from a lack of motivation, your loved ones could help give you the encouragement you need.

Make your own quit plan

Everyone’s quit journey is different, so we’ve created a way to personalise your own journey and track your progress. Match your smoking habits with different quitting strategies and NRT products, then download your quit plan to get started.

Feel inspired by our Success Stories

It helps to know you’re not alone when quitting smoking. Reading about how well others have done could inspire you to get started or give you the motivation to carry on.

We have success stories featuring people from all walks of life, from those who smoked three a day to those who smoked 40 a day. Seeing how others are enjoying being smoke-free could help you stay on track so you can join them.