All services
  1. Home
  2. Christmas
  3. Services over Christmas

Stop Smoking over Christmas

Our Stop Smoking service will not be booking in appointments for any new referrals between 2 December and 5 January. Any new referrals we receive will be booked in as soon as possible in the New Year.

Individuals already on quit attempts with an advisor will be provided with their products to cover this time period and will only be offered a behavioural support phone call if it's needed.

Normal clinics with behavioural support and product provision will resume as normal on Monday 6 January.

Tips for a smoke free Christmas

Well done for taking the steps toward becoming smoke-free and improving your health!

Here are nine practical tips to help you continue your journey to a smokefree lifestyle this Christmas: 

  1. Break the habits - Think about what you can do to change your routines to help break the link between cues to smoke and your cravings. Think about keeping busy to focus your brain, this could include household tasks or a hobby
     
  2. Be prepared - If you are using NRT or an e-cigarette to help you quit and stay smoke free, make sure you have enough to keep the cravings away and take this with you for any travels through the festive season. 

    Remember, during your quit attempt you will still get cravings, but these will pass, and you will soon start to feel the benefits of stopping smoking. There will be limited-service delivery through the festive period
     
  3. Rest and recharge - When you feel run down or tired, cravings to smoke will seem stronger and harder to resist.

    Remember to make time to rest. Don't be afraid to ask for help, family members and friends are usually happy to help if asked
     
  4. Be caffeine-wise - Many of us reach for a cup of coffee when we need an energy boost, but too much caffeine can make cravings more intense.

    Try to avoid extra cups of coffee or tea to stay awake and rest instead. You could also try de-caffeinated tea and coffee options
     
  5. Think before you drink - Drinking too much alcohol can increase triggers to smoke, lower your inhibitions and affect your decision making. You don’t have to be alcohol free but be mindful about how much you drink.

    You could try changing to 0% alcohol alternatives or to a soft drink. Evidence shows that smells of certain drinks that you drank regularly when you were a smoker can act as a trigger and create cravings to smoke
     
  6. Hydrate. Refresh. Repeat - Water is a great craving-buster and also an essential ingredient in a healthy diet. Keep yourself well-hydrated!

    You will feel better in general, which may help manage stress more easily.
     
  7. Aim for balance - Enjoy this time for festive foods but also try to plan ahead to eat balanced and varied diet across the festive period. This could include fruits, vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates.

    This could help you avoid the highs and lows of irregular eating which can trigger your smoking cravings, both physically and mentally
     
  8. Big feelings - The festive period can make us feel some big emotions such as overwhelm, stressfulness or loneliness. This can often lead to cravings to smoke, but you can be prepared. 

    Think ahead about how you will handle these emotions (e.g. finding someone to speak to, practicing mindfulness, playing games or taking a short walk)
     
  9. Patience pays off, believe in the journey - Giving up any habit takes time! The associations you have between smoking and day-to-day activities must be changed, one by one. 

    You are on that journey living life smoke-free and making it through your first Christmas smoke-free is another step on the journey. Remember, you can do this and it gets easier with time. Keep your focus and meet the challenges that come along with confidence

More information and support

Last updated 17 December 2024