October is one of those months of the year that we are all encouraged to become a tad more health conscious than usual. Breast Cancer Awareness month and Stoptober really pull us up short in the well-being stakes. October says be healthy, check for lumps and bumps regularly, and make that real, concerted effort to stop smoking.
We might not be smokers here, but all know someone who is, and someone that we would love to stop!
We know it’s not as easy as shredding up the last bought packet and vowing off them for life, and we’re thrilled to hear about Boots’ Smoke Free Campaign efforts to lend a helping hand in the process. They’ve got the biggest range of quitting tools we’ve seen, think gum, mouth spray, inhalers, patches, there’s something for everyone!
They have also let us into the four challenges that we can share with any of our smoker readers, one for every week to be completed on the Smoke Free Campaign. Take a look and have a go!
1/ Set for Success
It’s all in the preparation. Angela Chalmers (Boots UK pharmacist) has a list of top tips ready to help along the first smoke free week of the month long sting. She gives motivational tips, advice on positive thinking and remaining focused!
2/ Taste of Success
Week 2 sees a focus on taste! As a smoker taste buds get dulled down and seriously impact on how you taste your food. Another major plus of quitting is the quick return of your taste! Well that’s a great excuse for Boots to send over an exclusive recipe box crammed with both the recipes and ingredients needed to really make use of a smoke-free set of taste buds!
3/ Smell of Success
It’s no surprise to hear that as well as altering the way we taste, smoking also effects our sense of smell. As a congratulations for making it to the third and second-to-last week, Boots are sending a little something to make use of a smoke-free nose. We’re thinking perfume? Yes please!
4/ Look of Success
If there’s one thing we’re all too aware of when it comes to smoking, is the effect that it has on your appearance. We should really list the ways. How long do you have? Teeth staining, fine lines around the mouth, ageing, limp hair, a dull complexion, yellow finger tips? Wow. To celebrate making it to the final week of the Boots Stoptober challenge, we are set to receive a range of top tips from a leading fashion photographer, all aimed at coaching us to take the perfect selfie! What better way to show off your new, smiling, smoke-free self?! Stay tuned guys, there’s no way we’ll keep these tips to our selves!
So here’s the first challenge, and some of the tips sent over by Boots UK pharmacist Angela Chalmers.
First of all, this wise lady says ‘Quit your own way’. Enigmatic? Not really. There’s no one right way to quit. It all depends on who you are and how you function. What works for one person, might not work for you. If you always have a cigarette after your morning coffee for example, try changing the time you have your coffee too, or going for a little walk straight after instead.
In the same breath, you need to ‘know your smoking triggers’ says Angela. You need to get to the bottom of why you smoke, so that you can break the habit. Do you smoke to relieve stress? Maybe a rush of endorphins after a short run would have the same effect. Do you smoke as part of a night out? Try busting some moves on the dance floor. If you’re anything like us you’ll get so carried away you won’t even think about heading over to the bar, never mind reaching for a cigarette!
Angela also suggests swapping smoking for a new hobby. We’re all about new challenges! Get baking, go running, try yoga?
And ‘Don’t give up giving up’ says Angela. Come on, let’s get determined! If you relapse, forget about it, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost the battle. World renowned ballet dancers don’t make it to the top without a fall or two, it’s all part of the process! It’s not easy, and each day you’re clean is one big deal!
If any of you have any questions for Angela, tweet us at @Beautyanthedirt and we’ll pass them on and get back to you asap!
With that in mind, it’s on to Angela’s fifth tip…reward yourself! Quitting smoking is a bucket list type thing, there’s a reason it’s such a big deal. You need to celebrate! Set yourself little targets, and treat yourself when you reach each goal. It can be with anything! With a cupcake, with a new Net A Porter purchase, with a long hot bubble bath. This is the fun side of things, so indulge. Big time.
How enthused are you right now?! And best of all, if you have any questions, need a boost or want to give other some encouragement, we’ll be co hosting a Twitter party on the 16th October between 1pm-2pm. See what we’re saying at @Beautyanthedirt and use the hashtag #BootsUKStoptober. Keep up to date with our Stoptober posts and join in the fun!
This is a sponsored post.