The following article has been taken from YO1 Magazine: http://www.thisisyork.co.uk/york/yo1magazine/may05/38.html

Amanda Key gives an update on her mission to stop smoking:

I'm now well past the five month stage and still not smoking.

However, the novelty of being a nonsmoker has worn off and idea of smoking is simply now not an option.

This is largely due to the benefits to my health which have become more and more apparent.

Firstly, I have had lots of compliments on my skin, and how much better it looks (anything is an improvement on the last edition's Tango'd shot). Thanks Mr Photographer!

I had joined the gym when I was a smoker and hated the fact that after the high of a vigorous work out I would light up in the car before I had even got out of the gates.

Now I can exercise so much more - for longer - and I really feel the benefits of giving up here more than anywhere.

I could never have swum 60 lengths without a break this time last year (or even 20 years ago), but it is amazing how easier it is to carry on for longer without feeling as though an elephant has just sat on your chest.

I now have nice feet - poor circulation had always left my feet freezing and in poor condition. The skin has improved dramatically - this means I will be able to sunbath on my tummy WITHOUT flip-flops this summer! (A real achievement for me!).

My sense of smell is significantly more sensitive.

Now this can be a good or a bad thing. Perfumes I thought I loved I now hate. The dog has to have frequent baths and I can smell a smoker from 50 paces!

Food tastes better. Salt is now used very sparingly as opposed to extremely liberally whilst smoking.

Generally it is just nice not to have to think about buying cigarettes and standing outside in the freezing cold with six coats and gloves on just to have a smoke.

It is also nice not having to stand back while having a conversation with someone because you are conscious of the fact that you smell of stale tobacco.

Best of all my children give me lots more cuddles. And although they don't say it as often as in the beginning they are all very proud of me, as are my dad, hubby, friends and colleagues.

All in all it really has boosted my self esteem, confidence and of course bank balance.

Hypnotherapy gave me access to willpower that I already had, but didn't realise.

People do have preconceptions about hypnosis but it is really worth a phone call to discover just how it can help you. It can benefit people in all areas of life, not just smoking, but weight and stress management to name just a few.

If I can do it anyone can.

Amanda underwent hypnotherapy at ChangeWorks Practice, 39 Low Petergate, York.

Freephone: 0808 156 4824