Written by Peter Brooker in Health & Fitness on the 30th September 2016

Stoptober is imminent. The one month in the year where smokers are given a challenge to down the fags and rethink their ways. It's by no means an easy task, but having been a former smoker I can identify first-hand with the benefits and if you're attempting to embark on this voyage of sobriety then here are some top tips that could help you.

GET A LIFE COACH 

Whilst on the path of improvement why not get some professional advice on where you want that path to go. Personal development isn't just for one month of the year, it's an ongoing journey and Life Coaches like Michael Serwa, London's leading Life Coach passionate about psychology, can help harness your potential. Michael has worked with over 400 men and women on a one-to-one basis. He's made an impact on many of those who came to any of the 250 events where he has spoken on a wide variety of personal development topics.

"I love what I do and I love those with whom I do it. I’m a rebel and I tend to attract other rebels. I believe, beyond any doubt, that I can be anyone, have anything and be with anyone I want. Through 10 years of personal development I’ve eliminated all limiting beliefs. As far as I’m aware of anyway. My job is to make you feel great about yourself and your life. And I do just that." 

Michael is also the author of the much lauded From Good to Amazing: No Bullsh*t Tips For The Life You Always Wanted. A collection of his top tips from different areas of personal development, written in a conversational and direct style, with a few personal stories here and there.

BOOTCAMP 

Now you have a little more air in your lungs why not do something with it? I've already had a couple of sessions down Barry's Bootcamp and believe me, no one is sparking up on the treadmill or outside in the hallways. It's brutal, but you'll thank me and yourself for it once you start seeing some results.

STOCK UP THE BAR 

Not with Carling or pork scratchings, but if you have a little arsenal of booze stashed in a Delboy -esque bar in your home, then instead of replenishing it with hardened liquor, try some non-alcoholic spirits. It's healthy, it's a conversation stimulator and breaks that seemingly impregnable bond between booze and fags.

DON'T TELL ANYONE 

Of course team up with others taking the challenge with you online through social media, but don't go telling the world how well you're doing by not having had a cigarette in the past 3 hours. If the wheels come off for whatever reason you'll be made to eat those "I'll never smoke again for the rest of my days" words. Plus, a bit of quiet humility never harmed no-one.

DON'T HANG AROUND DAN 

Or whatever that mate of yours is called that will never give up smoking. He is utterly persuasive and lists only good reasons to keep smoking. Your relationship with Dan is firmly entrenched with the habit - having smoked through many Christmas parties, stag dos and footy games together. Give Dan a month off, reduce the risk of peer pressure.

We discuss how to quit smoking with Life Coach Michael Serwa who gives advice on how to How to Kick the Habit with Stoptober.