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Monday 6 October 2014

#Stoptober with Boots UK

Hello My Lovelies, 

I hope you are all doing well? Today's post is a little different but none the less important. I wanted to get involved with this campaign because it is something I really support and if this post helps at least one of my followers then I will be so pleased. So, it's October which instantly makes us think of those Autumnal evenings and Halloween. Yes, that is true but October also brings us Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also Stoptober. I will be writing a Breast Cancer Awareness Post but todays post is focused around Stoptober and Boots UK. I myself am not a smoker and can put my hands up and say I have never tried a cigarette and I never really want to. This is not saying I don't like people who do; it is just a personal route I have taken. Everyone smokes for different reasons and this post is here to help anyone who might need that extra push...I am in no means trying to force anyone to stop if they do not wish too. I have grown up with members of my family who have been smokers, my Dad being one of them and I would constantly encourage him to give up and I was so glad when he finally did. My Dad has stopped smoking for over 6 years now and he can vouch that he feels so much better in himself. He is always going on about how much better he feels and he does get excited when another year passes. There are other members in my family who still smoke, have tried to give up and went back to it and want to try again this Stoptober. My Aunty also works with the NHS in the Stop Smoking department and is working around the UK at the moment with #Stoptober. 

Stoptober has been everywhere this month already, I remember waking up one morning and seeing it gracing my television screen on Good Morning Britain. This Stoptober, Boots UK is supporting people across the UK on their 'stop smoking' journeys celebrating every milestone: whether it is experiencing that first smoke free kiss or eating strawberries and enjoying the benefits of taste buds getting back to their best. With many years experience of providing support for people who are cutting down or stopping smoking, Boots know that having access to the right help can make all the difference. There are many different ways of assisting on the 'stop smoking' journey, and the expert pharmacists at Boots want to help everyone find the way that works best for them. The Boots 'Smoke Less' plan is available at selected Boots stores to help people on their journey to cut down or quite smoking. As a free flexible programme it provides personalised advice and helps understanding of smoke patterns, triggers and cravings to help find the right stop smoking support for you. When my Dad stopped he literally just did it all by himself, but he had me and my Mum who supported him throughout the entire process...but this was over 6 years ago. Sometimes it is nice to have an external helpline who can be impartial and offer you professional advice and help. The Boots healthcare advisers have been trained to provide support both in-store and over the phone. 

The Smoke Less Plan: 

1. Initial consultation to help prepare for the quitting journey and agree personal goals
2. An information pack including a booklet, appointment card and a refer a friend flyer
3. An appointment to establish a quite date and create a personalised action plan 
4. A follow-up appointment usually 7-10 days after the quite date to see how people are getting on 
5. Optional ongoing follow-up appointment or phone calls to discuss progress
6. A unique Nicotine Exchange Service that allows you to switch to a different form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy during your smoke free journey, if you feel your current one is not right for you

Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers Says: "Stoptober is the perfect opportunity for people to tie that decision to quite smoking, but why not change your mind set and see October as the month of STARTober and the chance to start enjoying all the benefits that come with being smoke free."

There are so many benefits to giving up smoking. Not only will you be saving a heck load of money (hello shopping spree) people also rediscover their sense of taste and smell just a few days after quitting. Also, quitting smoking can also help freshen up your skins complexion and can prevent breakouts and dryness. Boots have one of the biggest quitting ranges to offer with tones of different methods. Just to name a few Boots have their Pharmaceuticals NicAssist Inhalator, Gum, Patches, Lozenges and also Spray

Boots have sent me a tone of information to share with my readers for anyone wanting to finally give up or for anyone trying to persuade a partner, friend of family member to give up. There are a selection of simple tips below: 

Tip 1 - Quit You Own Way

The key to any form of success is often preparation. When you begin your smoke free journey, it is important that you know your smoking habits and chose a time to quit that is right for you. Many people find that starting their quit journey on a Wednesday is easier than starting on a Monday. Luckily the first day of Stoptober fell on a Wednesday this year! If quitting on the first day of Stoptober is not right for you, then choose a time or day in the first week that best suits your lifestyle. If you tend to be a social smoker, then choose a time to quit that doesn’t clash with a social gathering – for example quitting a day before your best friend’s big birthday or a close family celebration might not be the best time for you! Remember that Boots pharmacists are available to provide advice and support at any time and stage of your smoke free journey. 

Tip 2 - Know Your Smoking Trickers 

Breaking a smoking habit is difficult as it’s often a part of your daily routine and something you may tend to do without even thinking about it. However, more often than not there are factors that can trigger these habits or make you want to smoke. For some people it goes hand in hand with a night out, for others it may be part of their morning coffee routine. It is important to know what your triggers are so you can put a strong plan of action in place to help you avoid them while you are on your smoke free journey. 

Replacing your triggers with a different healthy habit can also help. For example, if you usually smoke after meals then maybe think about replacing that cigarette with a brisk walk to the end of your road or drinking a glass of water. Many people worry about weight gain as they often confuse their cravings for hunger and increase their food and snack intake. If you’re worried about weight gain talk to a stop smoking adviser who can give you tips on eating right and exercising so that weight gain is minimal. Drink an extra glass of water after meals to keep you feeling full. Snack on as many fruits and veggies as you want – something crunchy like baby carrots or an apple, can sometimes be very satisfying. 

Tip 3 - Swap Smoking For A New Hobby

It is normal to get a little irritable when you quit smoking. Why not distract yourself by taking up a new hobby such as learning a new language, trying a new recipe or playing sport? By keeping yourself busy you are more likely to reach your smoke free goal as well as learning something new. Or you could simply get round to doing something you’ve been meaning to do for a while – clearing out your wardrobe, putting up a new shelf, doing the gardening, or even cleaning the windows?! Creating a list of all the things you want to do and then ticking something off that list (even the smallest thing) can you give you a great sense of achievement!

Tip 4 - Don't Stop Giving Up Giving Up 

Many smokers try on more than one occasion to give up cigarettes. If you have a smoking relapse, try not to be disheartened. Instead, examine what caused you to smoke again, so that you can look out for the signs and find a way to overcome this on your next attempt. Remember that giving up smoking is not easy and celebrate each day that you remain smoke free. Sometimes a visual tracker can help. Why not buy a wall planner or calendar on which you can cross off or use gold stars to place on each smoke free day so you can see how well you are doing and increase your confidence in yourself? 

Tip 5 - Reward Yourself

Don’t be too hard on yourself! Giving up smoking is a huge challenge and each day that you stay smoke free is an achievement – something many people strive to achieve. In fact, 61% of smokers say quitting smoking is one of their lifetime’s ambitions so make sure your celebrate, perhaps by setting yourself small targets and treating yourself when you reach them. Remember - one of the best benefits of stopping smoking (aside of course from the health improvements) is all of the money you will save! Use this to reward yourself with a treat or something fun. This could be a pampering new make-over to show of how great you look now that you are smoke free, a new wardrobe or even a weekend trip away.

I hope you all enjoyed this slightly different post. I hope you are all feeling more positive and motivated to give quitting a try or helping someone close to you who needs that extra little motivation to try. If you want to find out anymore information on Stoptober you can do so by checking out the Boots UK Stop Smoking website. To aid the campaign there will also be a Twitter party taking place on 16th October between 1pm-2pm with the hashtag #bootsukstoptober. So come along and join in the Stoptober fun! Like always lovelies, if you have any questions, requests or if you just want a chat you can contact me on my social media or leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you all and i make sure to read every single comment…they really make my day! Good luck everyone! 

Lots of Love
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7 comments

  1. My dad stopped when he had back surgery and he's been off for 10 years now! So proud of him! I am an occasional smoker though..when I'm stressed or upset it really gives me time to vent and get my stuff together..
    Xo
    Alice

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  2. Great post! Definitely something that doesn't cross my mind as much since I don't smoke and most of my family doesn't either.

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  3. Im hoping my hubby finally stops x

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  4. This is definitely important, although I don't smoke I have some extended family members who do and have tried quitting before with no success.

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  5. Great post. I don't smoke myself but I think Stoptober is an important cause and a great opportunity for people who need help quitting x

    Telina | Love, Telina

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  6. This is a fantastic post, and one I myself should pay attention to seeing as I am a smoker. I'd love to quit smoking for the health reasons and money BUT I do enjoy it and I know all the while I still enjoy it I won't quit, plus I lack serious will power too! x

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  7. I've never smoked and have pretty much given up trying to get my parents to quit after years of badgering them but these are all great tips for those who want to stop! :)

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