Stoptober & Octsober

It’s October, but as most of you may have noticed, that word seems to have changed a little this year! 
Instead, people are using various guises to describe the month such as ‘Stoptober’ or even (my fave) ‘Octsober’. What does all this mean though?
Charities are constantly coming up with new ways to make their campaign viral (think ‘No Makeup Selfie’ and ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ for example) and ‘Stoptober’ is no exception. 
To help raise money for Macmillan, casual drinkers are being encouraged (‘challenged’ if you will…) to give up alcohol for a one month period. Call it narcissistic if you want, and you can sit and scoff, but if money is being raised (and people are improving their health), then it can only be a good thing.
Of course, it raises issues about society and their attitudes to drinking, but really, it’s intended for people who drink on weekends when they’re out with friends.  This isn’t an attempt to ‘cure’ alcoholism or anything like that, so if you’re a person with a real struggle in your relationship with alcohol, then this might not be the right fundraiser for you. You can of course seek help to stop at any time – Drink Aware is a fab site for giving advice on this, or even just tips for cutting back.
Staying sober isn’t the only aim though. People who smoke are also being encouraged to give up cigarettes, albeit with a more long term aim of quitting. 
There is a lot of effort required to quit this habit, as it’s more than just a bit addictive! However, studies from the NHS have said that if you give up for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to be able to quit for LIFE – and just think of the money you’d save!  Of course, stopping outright is bound to be incredibly difficult, and that’s why there are some great steps you can take to help, for example switching to an e-cig (see fruiteCigs for an amazing range) or even getting some hypnotherapy!  It might sound a bit ‘out there’, but it’s been proven to work on all kinds of problems of the mind – including addiction. Total Health Clinics run some amazing sessions to help you quit smoking for good!
It might already be nearing the end of the first week of October, but it’s never too late to change your life! If you’ve got kids, cutting back on some bad habits can even be something you do as a family. 
You give up a glass of wine with dinner, and they give up their can of coke, that kind of thing! 
Everyone’s all the healthier for it, money will be saved, and everyone will feel better.
Perhaps you’re not really convinced by the campaigns, but you’re always up for helping a good cause?  Have a flick through your social media – someone you know is BOUND to be raising money to help in this, so why not do your bit and help out?
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