IT’S the build-up to Christmas, and the pressure is on to enjoy the season.
In truth, many of us are wondering how we will be able to get through the festivities this year.
GettyA quarter of smokers smoke more at Christmas thanks to the stress of trying to find perfect presents.[/caption]
According to the Stress Management Society, one in 20 people consider the Christmas period more stressful than a burglary.
And over half of Brits knock back an alcoholic drink before lunch on Christmas day in an attempt to manage the stress.
Many people turn to cigarettes this time of year amid countless late nights at Christmas parties and as a way to relieve anxiety and stress.
New research found British smokers are expected to get through an extra 145million cigarettes during December.
A poll of 2,000 smokers found they usually puff through an average of 13 cigarettes a day but 17 per cent admit they smoke an average of four more during December.
This amounts to an extra 124 cigs each over the course of the month.
Almost a quarter of those (22 per cent) claim they light up more thanks to the stress of trying to find perfect presents.
While more than four in 10 (41 per cent) who smoke more than usual blamed this on Christmas parties or socialising.
And 36 per cent put it down to trying to wrap up hectic work schedules before the year is out.
A spokesperson for Philip Morris Limited, which commissioned the study for Unsmoke UK, said: “Everyone deals with stress differently.
“While the holidays are a wonderful time of the year, it can also be stressful time compared to other months, so smoking increases as smokers’ resolve weakens.
“Cigarettes, however, don’t actually help you to de-stress and in fact, according to public health experts, could just be making your stress levels higher.”
He added: “Quitting is always the best option, but for those who don’t quit, switching to smoke-free alternatives is a better choice for adults this December compared to continuing to smoke.”
The study also found 69 per cent admitted a cig is the first thing they turn to when they’re stressed, but then 56 per cent end up feeling more worried at how smoking could affect their health.
But the majority of the smokers in the study (66 per cent) said December would be a hard month to try and quit smoking because it’s ‘so stressful’.
If you want to stop smoking this Christmas, expert Louise Ross, the ex managing of a stop smoking service, has shared her top tips below:
1. List your reasons
Write down why you want to quit.
“Whether it’s for your health (smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and many more deadly conditions), your family or any other reason keep going back to your list to keep yourself focused and your motivation high,” Louise explained.
2. Tell loved ones
Tell your friends and family you’re quitting, so they know in advance and can support you, Louise said,
“Even better, why not buddy up with a friend or family member who smokes – quitting together means you’ll be able to help each other every step of the way.”
3. Change your routine
“Craving a cigarette usually lasts less than ten minutes so distract yourself, take a walk, listen to a podcast or do a hobby.
You can get through these moments,” the expert said.
4. Count the savings
On average smokers spend £38 a week on tobacco – that means you could have around £2,000 more to spend a year by quitting.
“It’s a great motivator! Focus on that holiday you could go on or that special item you could buy with the money you save,” Louise added.
5. Use Stoptober for help
“The Stoptober Facebook community is a great space to talk to fellow smokers going through Stoptober, where you can share your struggles and motivate each other to keep going.
“Remind yourself that there are thousands of other people going through it with you,” she said.
6. Stop-smoking aids
Visit the Better Health website for NHS support and resources, including facts and advice on how vaping can help you quit.
“You’ll also be able to find out about nicotine patches, chewing gums and even nasal sprays that can help you stay off the cigarettes,” the guru explained.