Have your self a merry Quitmas and a healthy New Year (12 days of Quitmas)
Day 1
On the first day of Quitmas…not smoking gave to me…
CO out of my body…
After day 1 Carbon monoxide has been eliminated from your body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
After the year we have all had, with health at the forefront of everybody’s mind, why not gift yourself and your family the best gift of all this Christmas, give yourself the gift of health!
Whether you want to use the pleasant distraction of a busy Christmas as ample opportunity to break your routine, or whether you want to wait for the iconic “new year new me” new years resolution, there are many benefits to timing your quit around the festive period.
With extra spending over the festive season on presents, trees, decorations, food, etc, give your bank account an injection of cash by quitting smoking! The average smoker who smokes a pack a day will save on average of £80 a week. In fact, the average person will recoup their entire Christmas spendings after under 2 months of quitting!
Top Tips for quitting over Christmas:
- Make sure you get enough rest
Use your Christmas holiday wisely, when you’re tired and run-down, your stress levels will increase and your urges to smoke will feel stronger and your ability to resist them will be weaker. Getting enough sleep at night is vitally important. A power nap on Christmas day will help too!
- Eat a balanced diet
We get it, it’s Christmas, you don’t want to worry about what you consume, Christmas is a time of treats such as chocolate and mince pies, but on top of this be sure to give your body the fuel it needs to function properly. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates will help keep you at your best, both physically and mentally, this will help with withdrawal.
- Get some exercise
Why not take the family on a walk this Christmas to explore the local Christmas lights in your area? Exercise of any kind – even just a walk around the local neighbourhood – does wonders for reducing stress and improving circulation. Exercise also releases endorphins, the ‘feel good’ hormone. If the urge to smoke starts to take hold, head out for a brisk walk.
- Take some deep breaths
Christmas can be hectic, it sounds simple, but taking some relaxing, deep breaths can be a quick way to alleviate stress. Slowly breathe in through your nose for a count of three and exhale through your mouth for a count of three. Repeat for a few minutes and you’ll feel more relaxed and less stressed immediately.
- Delegate
Enlist some help from Santa’s elves (family and friends!) to get all the different Christmas tasks completed. Most people are happy to help with peeling some potatoes or setting the table if asked. Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for disaster, bringing on more stress and making you more likely to turn to that cigarette packet.
- Take things one day at a time
It’s very easy to take on too much at this time of year. Create a to-do-list each day for what you want to accomplish and to keep you and your elves organised. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many things to do each day. Prioritise and decide what needs to be done versus what can wait until you’re less busy. This will help you feel less stressed.
- Use your support
Feeling under pressure? Take a few minutes to call a friend, family member of speak to us at the stop smoking service and tell them how you’re feeling. A problem shared is a problem halved. Chances are, you’ll forget your craving to smoke and your spirits will be lifted.
- Use your products
With a million and one things to do – it can easily be done – but make a conscious effort to remind yourself to use your products or take your medication when required, if on nicotine replacement therapy, you don’t want your nicotine levels to drop and your cravings to spike during Christmas day!
- Remember why you’re quitting
The reasons why you decided to quit smoking don’t change just because it’s Christmas! If it helps, write yourself a note and stick it to the fridge as a reminder.
We here at the Stop Smoking Service will guide you every step of the way with free specialist advice and medications to help ease the cravings and support you to a smoke free future. Call us today on 0800 013 0553.