As the American author Fletcher Knebel once rather aptly put it, ‘’smoking is the leading cause of statistics’’. And whilst we’re loath to reel off the numbers once again, here goes; tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year – and will end up killing half of its users – with many more developing debilitating illnesses because of smoking.
These shocking statistics alone should be enough cause to quit, which would be great; our job would be done and the article could stop right here. But as another American writer, Mark Twain, said of the addiction, ‘’Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times’’.
Somewhat perversely when it’s a matter of life or death, it sometimes takes an arbitrary date or random encounter to finally give someone the impetus to give up smoking. With Christmas just around the corner, why not use the approaching Most Wonderful Time of the Year™ as your reason to finally knock those cigs on the head? With that in mind, here’s how to stop smoking in time for Christmas.
Saving Money For Christmas
Most wonderful time of the year? Most expensive time of the year, more like. Indeed, Christmas can be pretty pricey, even at the best of times. And with a cost of living crisis still ongoing, these most certainly aren’t the best of times.
Here’s another stat, just for our mate Fletch; the average smoker spends around £90 on cigarettes a week. With three weeks until Christmas, you could save a whopping £270 if you gave up right now and didn’t buy another packet. Just think of all the presents you could buy!
Read: The IDEAL gift guide for all of your pets this Christmas
Try An Alternative
All Our Health, a UK government resource aimed at helping healthcare professionals promote good health and wellbeing in the UK, recommends that, regarding smoking cessation, there has been a recent shift in opinion concerning the use of E-cigarettes to help those trying to overcome nicotine addiction.
In their report, they say that ‘’Leading health and public health organisations…agree that although not risk-free, e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking. Based on the currently available evidence, PHE and the Royal College of Physicians estimate the risk reduction to be at least 95%’’.
Moreover, when you smoke a whole cigarette, you’re compelled to finish the whole thing, whereas, with a vape, just a couple of puffs may satisfy your nicotine cravings. During the festive season, seasonal flavours like cinnamon and caramel might make picking up a vape more appealing than a cigarette, too. And every little helps, after all.
When used in combination with local stop smoking services, the NHS Stop Smoking Hotline and nicotine replacement alternatives like gums and patches, E-cigarettes could be a useful for those looking to give up.
Some may also turn to nicotine pouches, which, as a study published in 2023 as discussed in Nature.com points out, “are likely to be a substantially ‘lower-risk product’ relative to tobacco smoking”. This is “due to their lack of combustion and absence of tobacco leaf, nicotine pouches”, they continue.
Indeed, though there’s been much controversy around snus in recent years, nicotine pouches in the UK are legal, as they are tobacco free. That said, it should be noted that research into their long term effects on health is still ongoing.
Break The Association With Booze
If you’ve delved into advice on giving up smoking in any detail before, there’s every chance that you’ll already be familiar with a few buzzwords surrounding the topic. Even if you aren’t, we’re sure you’ll have experienced ‘triggers’, even if you haven’t yet defined the term.
Read: 5 IDEAL ways to deal with smoking triggers
One such trigger common for so many people is alcohol. Unfortunately, during the festive season, drinking is rife. Accordingly, the Christmas period can be a time when smoking becomes more commonplace, too.
If you’re serious about giving up the cigs, then you’ll likely have to break their association with booze. Swap mulled wine, eggnogs and festive fizz for herbal teas, low-alcohol beers and mocktails, and notice how those cravings for a smoke lessen in tandem.
Tell Your Friends That You’re Quitting
For those wishing to end their long dalliance with smoking, telling your friends that you’re quitting can really help. That support network during a sociable Christmas can be useful when you’re having a stressful day and are considering reaching for a cigarette, but perhaps even more importantly, by letting friends know that you’re serious about quitting, you’ll avoid those offers of a ‘cheeky cig’ that some friendships are built on. Just say no.
Kiss Under The Mistletoe?
If you’re single and looking for love, Christmas is one of the best times of the year to get out and meet people. However, if you’re hoping for a kiss under the mistletoe, you may well have less of a chance if you smoke.
As reported by the Independent, the majority of people find smoking unattractive, with a whopping 79% of non-smoking females and 66% of non-smoking males saying that they wouldn’t date a smoker. Interestingly, one in ten smokers even said they wouldn’t date a fellow smoker. Should you be longing for a smooch this festive season, you’re best advised to leave those cigarettes well alone.
The Best Christmas Gift For Family & Friends?
If you think that the odd cigarette with a glass of wine is no big deal, you’re fooling yourself. Every single cigarette you smoke harms your health and puts you at a higher risk of heart disease and cancer than those who don’t smoke.
The stats are astounding; researchers from the University of Bristol estimated that over a lifetime, each cigarette takes 11 minutes off your life. Why not give your loved ones the ultimate gift of more time spent with a healthy, happy you? The best way you can do this is by giving up smoking. Good luck!