COUNSELLOR and hypnotherapist Susan Leigh offers advice for those looking to kick the habit this Stoptober

JUST less than 20 per cent of the adult population smokes in the UK, with an estimated 80,000 smoking-related deaths each year and hundreds of children reportedly taking up smoking each week.

Are you wanting to stop?

* Join a stop-smoking initiative, like the 28-day Stoptober campaign. Research shows those who sign up together are 67 per cent more likely to quit if their partner also stops

smoking and 36 per cent more likely to quit with a friend.

* Some cigarettes are more important than others. Several will be smoked without thinking; after a phone call, with coffee, after food or when driving. Quit the cigarettes that are smoked with no real desire or sense of enjoyment.

* Distract yourself at your habitual smoking times; count slowly to 100, start a conversation, walk to the water-cooler or read something interesting. The urge for a cigarette often then subsides.

* Change your routine, so removing the association with smoking. Ensure that your home, car and clothes are fresh so that there's no smell of cigarettes around.

* Consider what cigarettes mean to you. Are they a reward, a secret treat or a way to manage stress, frustration, anger? Find better ways to enjoy quality me time; a relaxing bath, time with friends, going for a run or listening to music.

* If you were going for a smoke just as you received a really important call, you wouldn't give the cigarette another thought. Decide who's in control, you or three inches of tobacco!

* Money rarely motivates people to stop smoking, but it's a definite consideration. Save your smoking money and use it to buy a treat for you and yours. Find better ways to spend your hard-earned cash.

* Hypnotherapy is an acknowledged way to help stop smoking, supporting your determination to quit. It helps boost your confidence and positive focus towards better health and wellbeing.

Use Stoptober as time to commit to better choices in your daily life. The almost immediate health benefits are reduced blood pressure, easier breathing and better circulation, as well the removal of the social limitations of being a smoker.

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