Everyone knows smoking cigarettes is bad for your health (not to mention your wallet) but can be difficult to quit. New Year is a great time to make a lifestyle change, and if your New Year’s Resolution this year is to stop smoking, switching to e-cigarettes could help wean you off tobacco.
What is vaping?
Vaping involves inhaling a vapour that’s made by heating “e-liquid”. The device used to heat the e-liquid is known as an e-cigarette, vape pen or mod. E-cigarettes and vape pens are cylindrical in design, and many look similar to traditional cigarettes, but vape devices also come in a variety of other shapes and sizes. Many beginners choose a starter kit that has everything they need to switch to vaping.
E-liquid is made up of propylene glycol and glycerine in varying proportions, and is available in a wide variety of flavours. It’s possible to buy e-liquid with different strengths of nicotine, or completely nicotine-free, depending on your preference.
Is vaping safer than smoking tobacco?
The most harmful substances in traditional cigarettes are tobacco, tar and carbon monoxide. They also contain nicotine, which is what makes them so addictive.
According to the NHS, e-cigarettes (which contain no tobacco) are 95% less harmful to your health than traditional tobacco. That’s not to say vaping is completely risk-free, but compared to smoking, experts have said it’s a far healthier choice. Likewise, the vapour from e-cigarettes is far less harmful to others around you than second-hand cigarette smoke.
The vaping industry is relatively new, but vaping products are now included under strict regulations that ensure safety standards are upheld.
Taking a step in the right direction
The main factor that will determine your success in quitting cigarettes is your own motivation. Vapes aren’t a miracle product and you’ll still need willpower and strength to see your resolution through. But with the right motivation, vaping could help you to get the nicotine hit you crave, without the harmful effects of tobacco. People tend to have better results when they use a combination of other tactics too; in particular, local Stop Smoking services are a fantastic resource, offering valuable face-to-face advice and support to keep you motivated in the long term.
Many people miss the physical act of lighting up, needing something to do with their hands or put in their mouth when they give up smoking. The act of vaping can fill this gap, giving you something to do which can distract you from your desire for a cigarette.
Keeping your resolution for good
Maybe you’ve tried to quit cigarettes before, only to fall back off the wagon one or more times. Don’t let that put you off trying again. One effective way to keep resolutions is to announce them publicly (or just tell a few select friends). That way, you’re more likely to think twice before giving in to temptation.
It’s also good to make your resolution into a positive, rather than a negative. Deciding to never smoke again can make you focus on all the things you’re missing out on – but resolving to try something new (like vaping) can help you concentrate on that instead.
Find out more about the process of vaping with our guide to e-cigarettes.
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