World No Tobacco Day: Smoking Cessation Supports

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day and marks one year since the Guelph campus became a tobacco- and smoke-free space.

COVID-19 has created feelings of stress and anxiety for many of us. If you have gone without commercial tobacco during this challenging time, even for short periods, make sure to acknowledge the strength you've demonstrated under these new pressures! Remember, it can take up to 30 attempts to quit using cigarettes, vapes or other tobacco products before you find success.

To help you during your next attempt to quit or cut back, particularly during COVID-19, make a plan for the following:

• Stay active and keep busy with activities that you enjoy
• Connect with family and friends
• Take media breaks
• Practice self-care and self-compassion
• Focus on what’s best for your body with healthy eating, sleeping, exercising and practicing mindfulness
• Reach out for support by talking to someone you trust or call our Employee and Family Assistance Provider, Homewood Health

Learn more in the Coping with Stress, Anxiety and Substance Use During COVID-19 infographic created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

Visit uoguelph.ca/smokefree for additional resources and supports to help you cope, quit or be there for a friend.