Are you a smoker? Why not try quitting for good? #QuitforCovid

No smoking day is Wednesday 10 March

It might not feel like a good time to quit smoking – but it is. Last year, during lockdown, one million people quit. New research confirms that those ex-smokers will now be feeling happier and more positive than if they were still smoking.

For No Smoking Day 2021 we’re celebrating the mental health benefits of quitting.
Withdrawal can be stressful but ultimately ex-smokers are happier and healthier.

We don’t often talk about the benefits of quitting to mental health, but just as it improves your physical health, stopping smoking also improves your sense of wellbeing. Withdrawal can be tough, but with help, smokers can come out the other side feeling happier, healthier and wealthier too.

Quitting during Covid

Girl holding her nose sat in car with a parent who is smoking

The last year has been difficult for many of us. Stress and concern about our health is on the rise. For smokers this has pulled them in two directions. On the one hand, the chances of smokers successfully quitting are has high as they’ve ever been. On the other, smokers experiencing stress and mental distress are more likely to be smoking more. This No Smoking Day we want to take the opportunity to inform smokers that quitting can be less stressful than they fear and can ultimately improve their sense of wellbeing. We all of us have less control over our lives than we’d like at the moment, but smokers can take some positive control on No Smoking Day.

Stopping smoking boosts your mental health

Image of person breaking a cigarette in half

In 2014, research found that stopping smoking is associated with improvements in mental health such as reduced depression and anxiety when compared to continuing to smoke the findings from over 160,000 people
suggest that people who quit smoking are likely to have improved mental wellbeing, in particular:

Reduced depression
Reduced anxiety
Improved mood
Improved quality of life

The study also looked at people’s social contacts and found no evidence that quitting
smoking damaged people’s social connections (something that some people who smoke
worry about).

Are you ready to say goodbye to smoking?

Person using hands to refuse a cigarette being offered

The health benefits from quitting smoking start
from the moment you stop so make No Smoking Day the day that you give quitting a go.

Even if you’ve tried before, don’t give up on quitting smoking. There’s plenty support and advice which can reduce the stress. Visit ww.nhs.uk/smokefree and start your quitting journey.

Listen to the experts

Professor Robert West is an expert on addiction and has spent years studying how smokers can quit more easily and with less stress. Listen to his expert advice and make this the first day of your new quit attempt.

Link to video

There has never been a more important time to quit smoking. Even if you’ve tried before – give it another go – you can do it. The benefits to your health, bank balance and family will make such a difference.

Clear out old ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes
Get support – visit https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree for remote advice
Think of your reasons for quitting – and keep them front of mind
Use stop smoking aids to help you manage cravings
Try new routines and remember you CAN do it