Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline
Newfoundland and Labrador
Smokers’ Helpline
Preventing Relapse
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Are you struggling to stay smokefree during this very stressful time?
Try these tips:
- Revisit your list of triggers – Refocus your commitment to smoke free living by listing the triggers/stressors you are vulnerable to. Be attentive to and prepared to manage each trigger as it arises.
- Get outdoors – Vitamin D from exposure to the sun helps maintain mental health and physical wellbeing. Try gardening, walking, meditation, or painting. Remember to respect public health orders.
- Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to control the urge to smoke. Options include gum, patch, lozenges and mouth spray. NRT can be obtained at your pharmacy. Consult with your pharmacist about the product and dosing that is right for you.
- Reach out for support – Connect with the NL Smokers’ Helpline, family and friends to help prevent feelings of isolation.
- Keep perspective – Try shifting negative thoughts to more productive thinking. Consult www.bridgethegapp.ca to support mental wellness.
- Access online support – NL Smokers’ Helpline quit coaches are standing by to support you here on the Smokers’ Helpline website (www.smokershelp.net). Chat with them online. Ask about our phone, email, text, online group and web- based app options too.
- Maintain a nutritious diet – Diet affects one’s mood, mental health, and physical well-being. Avoid skipping meals and eating junk food. Enjoy health meals and snacks – lean proteins, fresh produce, and foods high in omega 3 fatty acids. Limit sugar and caffeine.
- Fill your time – Beat boredom by pursuing hobbies or new interests. Complete projects around the house, read books, experiment in the kitchen, knit or sew, try crossword or jigsaw puzzles.
Morning Makeover
Are you waking up each morning to immediately reach for that cigarette to begin your day? The mindset in which you start your day can have a profound impact…
Food for Thought
Just as the food you ingest impacts your energy, the thoughts you ingest also impact your energy. We have to be careful what we feed our minds.
Slow and Steady
We all have heard the story about the Tortoise and the Hare. How often do we get caught up in comparing ourselves to others? Be kind to your mind.
Self-Compassion
Ask yourself where you are on the self-compassion scale. Do you think you could benefit from a ‘self-compassion lift’ to help boost your recovery?
Mental Health and Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking is linked to mental health benefits including improvement in psychological quality of life.
