9 Unconventional Methods to Quit Smoking You Probably Haven’t Tried

Despite energy prices expected to fall this year, many people are still grappling with the cost-of-living crisis.

As of now, inflation stands at 4%, 3% higher than in March 2020, stretching people’s disposable incomes thin.

In January 2024, the average price for a pack of 20 king-size cigarettes in the UK was £15.26, an increase of £2.42 from the previous year and £4.60 since 2019. This makes smoking an increasingly expensive habit to maintain.

Quitting smoking can significantly relieve your finances and improve your health.

Currently, the desire to quit smoking is high among British smokers. According to the 2022 Opinion & Lifestyle Survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 45% of British smokers wanted to quit.

Only 16% said they did not want to quit.

Smoking rates are also declining across the country. Approximately 6.4 million people over the age of 18 admitted to being regular smokers.

This is the lowest proportion of smokers since records began in 2011. However, the rate of British adults using e-cigarettes daily or occasionally is steadily rising.

Taking Control of Your Health The health risks of smoking are well documented. Smokers are at a higher risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Quitting smoking also gives you more time to enjoy life. Studies suggest one cigarette shortens a smoker’s lifespan by 11 minutes.

Life expectancy among smokers is 10 years shorter than that of non-smokers, according to the NHS.

Quitting smoking before the age of 40 can reduce the risk of dying from smoking-related diseases by around 90%, says the National Cancer Institute.

9 Ways to Achieve a Smoke-Free Life Once you’ve decided to quit smoking, picking a quit date is a great way to start. Mark it on your calendar and prepare yourself.

When doubts arise, remember that you are gaining from quitting smoking, not losing out.

Reframing your mindset to see quitting as a positive change rather than a loss can make the process feel less daunting.

Once you’ve made up your mind, follow these recommendations from the NHS to start your quitting journey and, more importantly, stick to it.

Tips for Sticking to Quitting Smoking

1. List your reasons to quit.
2. Tell people you are quitting.
3. If you have tried to quit before, remember what worked.
4. Use stop-smoking aids, such as Allen Carr’s stop smoking program or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
5. Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke.
6. Identify your smoking triggers and how to avoid them.
7. Keep cravings at bay by staying busy.
8. Exercise to counter the urge to smoke.
9. Join an online support group.