January is quit smoking Month!

JANUARY IS QUIT SMOKING MONTH

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A brand new year brings many New Years resolutions.

Some we keep!

Some fall by the way side!

As we all create goals, set intentions and map out our 2019 it is important to prioritise some personal goals to be about our health.

January is QUIT SMOKING MONTH and here are some top reasons why being smoke free from 2019 is a Number One health priority and the start of a positive journey that has immediate and long term health benefits.

 

As soon as you decide to stop smoking, immediately the body begins to recover from some of the damage caused by smoking:

Within 6 hours – heart rate drops

Within 12 hours – the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal

Within 1 week –  your senses of smell and taste improve

Within 1 month – your immune system begins to improve

Within 6 months – your lung functioning has improved

Within 1 year – the risk of death from a heart attack and coronary heart disease is reduced to HALF that of a smoker.

 

BUSTING THE MYTH

Smoking does not relieve stress.

In fact, smoking actually causes feelings of anxiety and stress. In the first stages of giving up smoking it is normal to feel symptoms such as stress due to nicotine cravings but these feelings will disappear as your body readjusts to being nicotine free.

 

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUITTING SMOKING

Improved positive mood

Reduction in anxiety and depression

Better quality of life

 

EVEN MORE AMAZING REASONS TO QUIT

Exercising becomes easier

In both men and women your fertility levels will improve

Its financially beneficial! The amount of money you can save on buying cigarettes can now be saved or spent on other things that you want or need

 

So, if you have decided to stop smoking, prioritise your health and make 2019 the year to be smoke free and breathe easy, here are some strategies to help you stay on track:

 

RELAX

When a craving hits, focus on some deep breathing, mindfulness or a few minutes of meditation to relax your body and mind.

 

STAY BUSY

Keep your mind busy! Focus on something that engages your mind like a game or even do some physical activity.

 

CHANGE OF SCENE

Try changing the places you would normally go to smoke. Visiting new places can be a great distraction and may help to create new memories for a new smoke free life.

 

CALL THE QUIT LINE

Call the Quitline on 137848 https://makesmokinghistory.org.au/quitline and receive all the updated information on how to quit and what best works for you.