5 ways to quit smoking before 2012

If one of your resolutions for 2012 is to quit smoking, we have a few tips that might help you win the battle.

Many people have different reasons for wanting to quit smoking. It could be to save money, to be healthy or to look and smell good. Whatever the reason, Peter Ucko, an advisor at the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), says you only need one good reason, then decide to quit, don't try, as trying leads to failure.

5 ways to help you quit smoking
Ucko offers the following six D’s to help you quit smoking:
• Drink water. Drinking water while trying to quit helps, as water washes the nicotine out of your system and it kills the cravings.
• Discuss your intentions. It helps to discuss and your intentions to quit smoking and your progress with family and friends so they can help you. It also helps to tell your smoking colleagues to not call you when they go for smoking breaks, as you will be tempted.
• Delay the urge to smoke. If and when you feel the need to smoke, delay the process by eating something healthy, like an apple or a carrot.
• Do something different. The minute you start craving a smoke, get up from your desk and walk to your colleague to discuss work instead of sitting and thinking about the cravings. Do something different when you think of smoking.
• Deep breathing. It has been proven that deep breathing relaxes you body and mind. You won’t be anxious and agitated because you're craving a smoke.

Studies have also shown that smoking can have an impact on your sperm count. "You need to decide what is important to you. Have one good reason to quit smoking, and you have already won the battle," says Ucko.

For more information and help, contact the NCAD on tel: 011 720 3145.