QUITTING SMOKING MIGHT be the most rewarding thing you do in your life.

Anyone who quits will tell you it’s the best thing they’ve ever done – and possibly the hardest.

But it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think it is. You don’t have to do it alone.

To help you in your Quit journey, we’ve rounded up some people who have successfully quit smoking – some after as long as 35 years, and shared their stories to give you inspiration.

So pull up a chair, get inspired and get ready to quit.

How to beat a craving – The 4 Ds

Shutterstock / racorn Shutterstock / racorn / racorn

In order to quit smoking successfully, you need to stop lighting up cigarettes. Sounds easy, right?

Unfortunately once that craving hits, it can often feel like a freight train about to hit, but there is a way not to give in – the 4 Ds.

• Distract yourself
• Delay the craving
• Deep breaths
• Drink water

Try and keep these 4 Ds in mind next time the craving hits and see if you can work your way through it, rather than lighting up.

And now the Heroes…

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Niamh, 3 weeks smoke-free

For my health.

The thing that is really helping is keeping a few different apps on my phone that I can look at to see the progress I’ve made and the targets I’ve yet to reach. Also, telling other people and getting their support was a huge help.

I beat the cravings by drinking water, exercising and reading my apps!

The best thing about being smoke-free is being free of guilt. My immediate family never approved of my smoking, and I don’t have to sneak off in the night, during days out or at different family functions to have a smoke anymore. A day shopping with my mum is just that – and I have more money to spend too!

My advice for other smokers is find a way of reminding yourself of your motivation, be it a smartphone app or a picture of your family – and keep it with you. Remembering why is the key to keeping focused.

Shutterstock / Rawpixel Shutterstock / Rawpixel / Rawpixel

 James, 5 years smoke-free

It has been over five years since I QUIT smoking. I have tried dozens of times and gave up very easy each time. The easiest thing in the world is to give up smoking, the hardest is staying off them. I couldn’t have done it without my friends encouraging me to succeed – they were great. The best thing is saying I smoked for 35 years and I quit. If I can do it, you can give it a try. The way it worked for me was, get over the first three days then the next three weeks, three months and you’re well on your way.

 Here are some tips to help you quit -

• Distract yourself for five minutes – this will help the craving to pass
• Drink a glass of water – this can often help with waiting out a craving
• Think how much money you’re saving – there’s incentive to stay off them right there

Are you a Quit Hero? Share your story in the comments below or head to Quit.ie.

If you want to quit smoking, you don’t have to do it alone. There’s loads of support at Quit.ie, from personalisation plans, to inspiration to live chats. Head over to Quit.ie and find out more about your Quit Journey. Start today and be someone’s Quit Hero tomorrow.