Stoptober is a yearly stop-smoking challenge that was launched in 2012 to help people give up smoking and start a healthier happier life. The event encourages people to quit for 28 days in October with the aim of permanently stopping. Sine it was launched Stoptober has helped over 2.5 million people make a quit smoking attempt.

Although smoking rates have started to drop in recent years there are still 5 million people in the UK that smoke and smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death.

Data from previous years shows that if you quit for Stoptober, you are five times more likely to quit for good compared to any other time of the year. It is easy to give into peer pressure when it comes to smoking, But Stoptober is about taking care of your own health and wellbeing and having the information and support to say no to smoking.

If you want to feel healthier, breathe easier, have more energy and more money, then Stoptober could help you stop smoking.

 

 

When you stop smoking this not only improves your physical health but can help improve mental health and wellbeing. Stopping smoking has been shown to improve mood, anxiety and depression. For more information about mental health please visit our emotional health pages

Some people may say that they are smoking as it helps them when they feel stressed. But research has shown that when a person smokes it can increase anxiety and stress. This is due to the nicotine creating an instant sense of relaxation, but this feeling is temporary. Smoking relives the withdrawal symptoms but does not reduce stress.

If you want to speak to your school nurse about smoking or any other health concern, please visit the Chat Health page to contact us

Written by.  Justine Hickey School Nurse

Plenty of people try to quit smoking with will power alone, but many people find it beneficial to stop smoking with help and support. Some tips to help quit smoking are

  • Try and have a plan in place for when you want a cigarette. 
  • Think of what triggers you to smoke and think of ideas on how to avoid these triggers. 
  • Exercise 
  • Meditation and breathing exercises.
  • Support from family and friends.

 

People who want to give up smoking can download the NHS Quit smoking app to help them with the 28-day challenge.