Five ways to warm up to quitting smoking and vaping this winter

Whatever the season, life improves when you quit smoking or vaping. However, winter is a particularly great time to start a quit journey – you'll be healthier and more comfortable coming in from the cold.

1. Focus on the health gains

Smoking harms people’s health year-round, but breathing problems can be worse in winter.

Your lungs’ ability to fight viruses and bacteria is hurt by smoking. Plus, there’s an increased risk of respiratory illnesses in the winter months.

Seasonal infections like flu can lead to the lung disease called bronchitis. Smoking also causes chronic bronchitis. People who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to develop serious respiratory infections, including pneumonia, which are common in winter.

When you quit smoking, your health can improve almost immediately. Within a day, your fingertips become warmer and your hands steadier, and within two months, you’re coughing and wheezing less. As your lung health improves over time, you’ll be less likely to get flu and pneumonia, and symptoms of chronic bronchitis often clear up. Talk to your GP about starting a quit journey.

2. Warm up to quit

Changing when or where you usually smoke can be a step towards breaking free from addiction. Choosing an uncomfortable cold, windy street corner or a time early in the morning might be the motivation you need. Here are some more ideas if you’re feeling ready to start a quit journey.

3. Cutting down keeps things cosy

Not every part of Australia feels the freeze in winter but all Australian states, territories and many local council areas restrict where you can smoke or vape – rain, hail or shine.

Because smoking harms people who smoke and people who don’t, it has been banned in many indoor spaces to protect the community from the dangers of second-hand smoke. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in lots of outdoor areas, too. State and territory rules vary, but these areas can include:

• Building entrances and doorways
• In and around playgrounds
• The grounds and around the entrances of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres
• Skate parks.

People who smoke and vape are likely to find themselves out in the cold during winter, which might be the motivation to quit.

It’s raining outside, but you’ve left the umbrella at home. Why not skip the cigarette or vape and stay cosy inside with a warm drink instead?

Studies show that cutting down a few weeks ahead of setting a quit date improves your chances of quitting success. Remember, you can use nicotine lozenges, spray or gum to help you cut down. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out more.

4. Make a plan to beat the chill

Sick of searching for somewhere to smoke or vape out in the cold? Use Quit’s online tools to build a plan to quit smoking or vaping. They will guide you, step-by-step, to make a personal plan that will make success more likely.

5. Get support to quit and stay quit

Winter weather might inspire a quit journey, but sticking to the plan isn’t always easy.

Quit is here to help. My Quit Buddy is a free app with information and advice about quitting smoking and vaping and that can track your progress.

Or you can contact an experienced Quitline counsellor who’s ready to listen and support you wherever you are on your quit journey.