Mummy says…I was going to say that I am ashamed I used to smoke. But, I knew no better at the time, and I gave up. I try to not regret decisions I have made in my past. I was addicted, I enjoyed it and I pushed to the back of my mind the health implications. I smoked in my teens and gave up in my early twenties. I started again when going through a divorce when I was in my late twenties and gave up after a couple of years. Giving up smoking was SO difficult for me.
I think I have an addictive personality and giving up smoking was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
I did it on my own, cold turkey if you like, and it was awful. This was over 15 years ago, and now there are lots of tips to give up smoking, and with ‘Stoptober’ coming up, I thought I would share some with you.
- Don’t think you have to go it alone. Don’t feel you have failed if you need support or some products to help you.
- You may want to go to your GP to talk about your decision and see what is available to you.
- Go online for support. As with everything, there is a wealth of information and advice. There are various apps available including one from the NHS.
- Nicotine patches prove helpful and effective for some people. They may be a good option for you.
- Something that wasn’t around when I gave up is Vaping. This really helps some people to kick smoking cigarettes. Vaping alone is a bit of a minefield, there are so many options available. here are some of them:
- Disposables. These are the cheapest way of experiencing vaping and are designed to be cheap and easy to use above all else.
- Refillable Vape Kits. Refillable vape kits are bulkier and heavier than the disposable versions, but they can be refilled with e liquid, meaning that if you use a good quality e liquid, which can be found at online e-liquid stores like Vapers Warehouse.
The main advantage with the refillable vapes is, of course, the fact that they are designed to last.
The tank that holds the liquid is known as a ‘clearomiser tank’, different liquids can be combined in it to produce unique combinations of flavours tailored to the user’s preference. - Replaceable Coils. If you are looking for a device that will have a long lifespan then you should look for one that allows you to . This is because normally the heating element will wear out from day to day use and so the entire tank can need replacing as often as every few weeks. In fact, replacing the coil is all you need to do and so such kits can save you money in the long run.
- Vaping is a much healthier alternative to smoking and, now that it has become so popular, the
availability of nicotine-free e liquids means that users don’t have to worry about addictive chemicals.
Will power and determination, and of course the belief that you CAN do this are essential. I found the following helped me too:
- Tell your family and friends that you have given up smoking cigarettes. Not that you might be, or trying to – you have.
- Have a jar for any money you save by stopping smoking cigarettes.
- Keep busy. Find a new hobby which you love and keep your hands busy. Writing, drawing or knitting are all good ideas.
- Keep a journal of how you are doing. This helps to remind you how far you have come.
PIN FOR LATER
I hope these tips to give up smoking help you, there is a lot of info available over on the Stoptober website too.
