A massive congratulations to Kris from Calderdale who has successfully quit smoking and changed her lifestyle with the help of our expert services. We asked him about his motivational journey.
Why and when did you begin smoking?
I smoked for many years, and for me it was a comfort in times of stress.
Have you used stop smoking medication to help you quit?
I used a 15mg nicotine inhaler to help me stay strong when cravings struck.
How helpful did you find it?
Using the nicotine inhaler allowed me to quit smoking successfully. Since completing the eight week program I made the decision to continue purchasing nicotine inhalators. Because I am slowly weaning off them, I am only using between one and three cartridges per day (when required). I’m finding that most days I don’t touch my inhalator at all.
It works for me as I find it’s the action of smoking that I miss the most and the inhalator replaces that compulsion, which helps me feel comfortable.
Apart from medication, what else has helped you to quit and stay smokefree?
My lifestyle is becoming feel-good, and conscious. I have become very health and fitness motivated, taking regular exercise - which surprised me! Most of all my diet has changed, nutritious foods I can actually taste now! I have found focusing on my health an excellent way distraction during the first couple of weeks of my quit journey.
I also loved the support I received from the NHS advisors who checked in on my progress, strangely it helped me stay focused and steadfast. Not everyone needs that sort of support, but for me it helped and continues to benefit me.
Where did you decide to access our services?
I chose to opt for telephone support, which was the best because I am a bit of technophobe. It was reassuring that I could receive the help that I needed without needing to go online or use the virtual support system. It appeals to all ages and abilities.
What have you found helpful accessing the service via the Telephone?
I found telephone support very effective and convenient, I’d choose this option again if I required it in the future.
Pre-lockdown I also found the groups helpful when I accessed them back in January. I had only recently relapsed from my January quit due to ambient stress, so I found the telephone option was there instantly when I felt my willpower shaking.
Has the current lockdown helped with your quit or has this made quitting harder?
The lockdown has actually helped me quit! Being in quarantine makes you take stock and look at the changes you need to make to value your life, health and wellbeing more than ever.
I have also discovered that less interaction with others reduces my overall stress levels, as I’m not finding myself in stressful situations that result me in reaching for cigarettes to cope.
So one huge positive of the lockdown is that I have managed to stop smoking.
What advice would you give to those considering quitting?
You will be shocked, by the improvements in your energy, activity and finances. Don’t let slip-ups hold you back, especially during such troubled times, there are no excuses but to value the life and health you have.
If you feel inspired by Kris’s story and would like support in quitting, or to register for a Callback Request today.
