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Fitness & Health

21st Feb 2019

Quit To Fit Week 1: What to expect with the first 48 hours after you quit smoking

JOE

In partnership with NiQuitin

It’s only early days, but you’re on the right path.

Last week, we introduced you to our Quit To Fit 2019 teams. Despite coming from all over the country and from different walks of life, they all shared the common goal of kicking their smoking habit for good.

Not only that, but they wanted to prove to themselves (and everyone else), the positive effects quitting smoking will have on your body. From a decreased risk of smoking-related diseases to improved overall health, the pros far outweigh the cons.

As with any challenge you set for yourself, a strong light at the end of the tunnel will see you through anything. Remember why you want to quit, and focus on it.

It’s all a lot easier said than done however, as they still have to go through the quitting process. As much as they will have to rely on their own willpower, things are certainly being made easier with the help of life coach Raul Aparici.

Raul will be there every step of the way to help them on their journey. Here is what he said to expect with your first week of quitting smoking.

Quit To Fit week one

Once you’ve taken that all-important first step, the hardest decision has already been made.

Now you just have to stick with it. As Raul said himself, we often make the quitting process out to be a hell of a lot more difficult than it actually is.

“Beginnings are always hard, but it’s worth remembering that day one as a non-smoker is a continuation of some important decisions you made in the past. The hard bit was deciding you were going to quit and make some positive changes to your life.”

“If you know what to expect these first couple of days, you are more likely to get through them. There are two things to look out for: your mental state and your physical cravings. You’re likely to be sad, anxious and cranky. Rather than getting consumed by these emotions, remember why you are feeling them and where they belong! They are part of the process and they will pass,” he said.

The first step

As tough a first step as this might be, he said it’s important to remember that things get better. The challenges you’re facing now are mostly down to the fact that your body is used to relying on something it doesn’t really need, so getting over those cravings will bring your body back to the way it should be.

“And then there’s the physical cravings for nicotine. Your body has become used to something and now you are taking it away. Be kind to yourself and remember the cravings will pass. The best thing about the Quit To Fit programme is that we are not passive agents in our quitting process; instead, we are going to use our bodies in different and active ways every week.”

“You may find that these first few days you have to remove yourself from social situations, but fear not. All we are doing is making space in your life for new experiences and new people. Week one is about giving up, about sadness and uncertainty. But it also about excitement, looking forward and allowing yourself to be surprised by what you are capable of!”

If this is something you want to get involved in, let us know your progress by using #QuitToFit on social media. You heard Raul, you are more than well able to achieve this.

Combining nicotine patches and nicotine lozenges is clinically proven to be an unbeatable way of quitting.*Try the NiQuitin 14mg patch for 24-hour craving control and NiQuitin 1.5mg mini lozenges for craving relief.

NiQuitin Clear 21 mg, 14 mg & 7 mg 24 hrs transdermal patches and NiQuitin 1.5mg & 4mg Mini Lozenges are stop smoking aids that contain nicotine but you still require willpower. Always read the label.

*Provides significant improvements in quit rates compared to the patch alone.

No purchase or use of NiQuitin is required.

T&Cs apply.

In partnership with NiQuitin