The quit tips that really work

So what exactly do you do when the craving for a ciggie strikes?

Here are lots and lots of practical ways to ride out those wobbly moments – and don’t forget you can get daily tips sent to your mobile when you register.

If you have a clever tip too, you can share it with everyone else!

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Your tips...

  • "i lost my mum to cancer two years ago, everytime i light one up i look at my two young girls and think of what my mum said, and that was that she couldnt belive she wouldnt see them grow up, I HAVE TO STOP!!!"
    Submitted by leeiaprice
  • "I`ve damaged my dogs lungs through passive smoking so I simply look at my dog & the guilt I feel stops any cravings"
    Submitted by jokjok
  • "Every time I feel smoking, I drink a tall glass of water!"
    Submitted by mr-jenkins
  • "Cuddle your kids - they are the very best reason for you to quit."
    Submitted by daniz39
  • "Make yourself a star chart and put a sticker on everyday you remain a quitter."
    Submitted by daniz39
  • "Make a cuppa. To avoid caffeine overload try caffeine-free or herbal teas."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Clap out a rhythm. Slap your thighs, tap the table, click your fingers. Just keep those hands moving to the beat!"
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Relax your face. Push your eyebrows together and release. Repeat four times."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Read. A chapter of your book, a favourite mag, newspaper or puzzle book - anything that holds your attention."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Splash some cash. Buy yourself a treat using some of the money from your quitter's moneybox."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Train your brain. Picture yourself on a lovely beach, free from your addiction and happy you quit."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Brush your teeth. It'll freshen your breath and keep your hands and mouth busy."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Sing a song. Or hum it in your head or listen to your iPod. Most songs last the same length as a craving."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Call an expert. Get free moral support and tips on the NHS Stop Smoking helpline 0800 022 4332."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Do a job. Unload the dishwasher, take out the bins, do the ironing - anything useful that keeps you busy."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Count down a minute. Once you've gone from 60 to zero the urge should have passed. If it hasn't, do it again."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Go online. It's amazing what distractions you'll find. Check out www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more quitters' tips."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Try a mirror mantra! Tell your reflection: 'I'm a non-smoker.' Repeat four times."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Eat some fruit. Or any healthy snack, such as carrot sticks."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Destress your neck. Bend your head forward until you feel a stretch behind your neck. Hold for five and return."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Reward yourself. Whether it's a soak in the tub, trip to the cinema or curling up with a good book."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Suck on something. A sweet, your finger, the end of a pencil... anything except a cigarette will do."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Send a text. It'll occupy your fingers and brain."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Count your cash. Tot up what's in your quitter's moneybox to see how far you've come and how much you've saved."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Drink water. Keep a bottle or a glass close by and take a glug to stave off the urge to smoke."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Tick off today. Keep a quit calendar close by and mark off each successful day. You've come so far you don't want to start again."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Do a puzzle. A wordsearch, crossword or Suduko will distract your mind and keep your hands busy."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Take deep breaths. Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth, counting slowly to four. Repeat six times."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Read your list. List your reasons for quitting and read them when you need a boost."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Do a shoulder workout. Shrug your shoulders and hold for two. Relax for two. Repeat six times."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Chew some gum. Sugar-free preferably."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Fiddle with something! Keep a blob of Blu-tac, rubber band or squashy ball close by to occupy your hands."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Walk it out. A stroll outdoors, walk up the stairs or march on the spot will dampen cravings, so get moving."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Stash your cash. Put what you'd have spent on fags in a special place and plan the treat you're saving for."
    Submitted by stubbuddies
  • "Phone a friend. You're more likely to succeed if you have someone you can call for support when the going gets tough."
    Submitted by stubbuddies