Breaking the Habit – Practical Ways to Manage Smoking Triggers
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, but it is not always easy. Many people find the hardest part is breaking the habits that go along with smoking. These can be moments built into your day, a cigarette with your morning coffee, during a break at work, or after a stressful phone call.
At Healthy Hounslow, we understand that cravings are often connected to routine and environment. That is why we offer free, personalised stop smoking support that includes one-to-one behavioural advice and up to 12 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). We are here to help you plan ahead, make positive changes, and feel confident in managing those tricky moments.
Here are some simple but effective ways to reduce cravings throughout your day:
First thing in the morning
- Change your routine – try a shower before your tea or coffee.
- Swap coffee for juice to reduce associations.
- Use your NRT or vape as soon as you wake up.
- Wake up a little later to shorten the time you might be tempted to smoke.
On your way to work
- Take a different route or get off a stop early.
- Keep your hands busy with your phone, music, or a podcast.
- Have a bottle of water or mints to hand.
During breaks
- Spend time in non-smoking areas.
- Go for a short walk or sit with colleagues who do not smoke.
- Keep a book, magazine, or puzzle nearby for distraction.
After meals
- Brush your teeth or chew gum straight away.
- Get up and move around.
- Choose a smoke-free room to relax in.
Reaching more people, reducing barriers
Some people may find it difficult to book a GP appointment or may not realise they are eligible for a health check. Others may feel anxious about attending a clinic. By offering walk-in services in familiar settings such as leisure centres, car parks and places of worship, we make health advice more approachable.
We are also proud to offer checks to adults aged 25 and over. This expands on the traditional NHS Health Check model, which is typically offered to those aged 40 and over. It means we can identify risks earlier, particularly in younger adults who may not realise they are at risk.
Our message is simple
You can sign up for our stop smoking service using the quick online assessment at www.healthyhounslow.co.uk. It only takes five minutes and is the quickest way to access our free support.
Prefer to speak to someone? Give our friendly team a call on 0204 559 8200.
For extra tips and encouragement, follow us on social media where we share helpful advice and details about upcoming events.
