As we enter a new year, there’s no better time to act on those positive changes you may have been thinking about making for your health and well-being. Quitting smoking remains one of the most impactful changes you can make for a healthier and happier you in 2025. Here at Bannerman’s Pharmacy, your health is our priority, and our Stop Smoking service is offered through the NHS Scotland Pharmacy Smoking Cessation programme, meaning you can access the help you need to stop smoking for free. Your journey to becoming smoke-free in 2025 has never been more accessible!
Why Stop Smoking?
We understand that stopping smoking can be tough, but the benefits to your health are undisputed. By giving up smoking, you’re not only improving your own health, but the health of those around you too. According to the NHS, smoking is still the leading cause of preventable illnesses and premature deaths in the UK, being responsible for around 78,000 deaths each year. The benefits of quitting smoking are almost immediate, with your heart rate and blood pressure returning to normal within around 20 minutes. Within 24 hours, carbon monoxide levels will drop which allows the oxygen levels in your body to increase, and within 3-9 months, lung function will improve which should reduce coughing and shortness of breath.
In addition to this, quitting smoking will have more long-term benefits on your health too including a longer life expectancy, increased fertility for both men and women, and an improved immune system. Finally, smokers in the UK spend an average of £4,000 each year on cigarettes so stopping smoking is also good for your bank as well as your health!
Top Tips for Stopping Smoking
Whether you’re quitting smoking for the first time or giving it another go, it always helps to have a plan in place and a good support system around you. Here are our simple yet effective tips to boost your chances of success in your journey to quitting smoking:
Set a Clear Date
Mark the day you are going to start your journey on your calendar and make sure you have removed all cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays from your home, car, and workplace to ensure that you’re prepared to resist any cravings from this date.
Seek Support
The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone in your journey to a healthier future. Our experienced team at Bannerman’s Pharmacy are here for you with our Stop Smoking service, providing you with one-to-one guidance and support. You can also download the NHS ‘Quit Smoking’ app to track your progress and stay motivated.
Know Your Trigger Points
It’s easy to associate smoking with specific activities, such as taking a break at work. It’s important to identify these triggers and develop new habits to replace smoking with healthier alternatives such as taking a walk or drinking water. Keeping your hands and mind busy will also help distract you from trigger points. Exercising or taking up a new hobby are great ways to make it easier for you to beat your cravings.
Celebrate Your Milestones
It’s important to recognise every smoke-free day as a victory. Reward yourself for hitting key milestones, whether it’s one day, one week, or one month without smoking. Keep your family and friends up to date with your progress and celebrate together. Your pharmacists at Bannerman’s will also be here to congratulate you on your victories no matter how big or small.
It’s important to remember that relapsing is not a failure. If this does happen, be open and honest with your support system and we will help you move forward and stay on track for the future.
Here at Bannerman’s Pharmacy, we understand that everyone’s journey to a smoke-free future is different. This is why we offer a completely personalised Stop Smoking service where our experienced pharmacists will assess your unique situation and advise on the best solution for you. We offer a number of nicotine replacement therapy products (NRT) including patches, gum, or inhalers to help reduce your cravings and help you throughout your quitting journey.
If you’re ready to start your journey or would like more information, visit your local Bannerman’s branch today. Together, we can make 2025 your turning point towards a healthier future.
