Smoking and Self Care
Smoking and Self Care
Smoking and Self Care
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health. Whether it’s for better physical health, improved mental health, for your loved ones, or to save money, there are lots of reasons to stop smoking.
Smoking and physical health
Quitting smoking can help most of the major parts of your body. Improvements that may be seen include: clean mouth, better taste, clear skin, reduced heart risks, lower cholesterol, lower cancer risk, less coughing and shortness of breath and a stronger immune system.
Smoking and mental health
It's a common belief that smoking helps you relax. But smoking actually increases anxiety and tension. Stopping smoking is proven to boost your mental health and wellbeing: it can improve mood and help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
Smoking and pregnancy
If you smoke when you are pregnant, you put your unborn baby's health at risk, as well as your own. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of complications.
Smoking and loved ones
Stopping smoking means that you're no longer harming others through second-hand smoke. Breathing in second-hand smoke, also known as passive smoking, increases your risk of getting the same health conditions as smokers. Babies and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke. A child who's exposed to passive smoke is at increased risk of developing chest infections, meningitis, a persistent cough and, if they have asthma, their symptoms will get worse.
Quitting Tips
Once you have picked your quit date, remember to add it to your calendar.
List your reasons to quit.
Tell people you're quitting.
If you have tried to quit before, remember what worked.
Use stop smoking aids.
Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke.
List your smoking triggers and how to avoid them.
Keep cravings at bay by keeping busy.
Exercise away the urge.
Quitting smoking can be tough but can be made easier by using a combination of tools and aids, as well as the help of your local stop smoking service. You can speak to many health professionals including your GP, pharmacist, midwife, or local stop smoking service for advice regarding quitting smoking.
Digital Support to help you quit
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NHS Quit Smoking App (Download in Apple App Store)
Created for those who want to stop smoking for good, the NHS Quit Smoking app is a 28 day programme that puts practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice in the palm of your hand. The evidence suggests you are 5 times more likely to quit for good if you stay smoke free for 28 days, with this in mind we will help you on your own personal journey to quit.
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NHS Quit Smoking App (Download in Google Play)
Created for those who want to stop smoking for good, the NHS Quit Smoking app is a 28 day programme that puts practical support, encouragement, and tailored clinical advice in the palm of your hand. The evidence suggests you are 5 times more likely to quit for good if you stay smoke free for 28 days, with this in mind we will help you on your own personal journey to quit.