Quitting smoking is not an easy thing to do. You know that should stop, but the difficulty of doing it outweighs the knowledge that it will be good for you. The cravings are something you experience now. Whereas the benefits of quitting are something you need to visualise.
However, there are plenty of ways that your life will improve almost immediately if you decide not to smoke anymore. Quitting will help not just you but everyone around you too. Having a solid list of reasons to help you quit is essential. I’ve given up for over 4 years now, and it’s one of the best things I ever did! So add some of the following benefits to your reasons for a better chance at quitting successfully.
Immediate Benefits
When you stop smoking, you might be surprised to learn that some great things happen right away. Within the next few days after you have your last cigarette, your body will already begin repairing itself. Just a few minutes after smoking, your blood pressure, pulse rate and the temperature in your hands and feet return to normal.
By the end of the day, your blood oxygen level has increased and carbon monoxide levels have dropped. After two days, your damaged nerve endings begin to repair themselves. So you don’t need to wait a long time to start seeing the positive effects.
Healthier Heart, Lungs and Circulation
One of the best things about giving up smoking is having a healthier heart and lungs. Some smokers don’t realise how much smoking affects their stamina and overall feeling of health until they stop. Even if you use a nicotine aid, such as an electronic cigarette starter kit, you can experience the effects of cutting out tobacco.
When you quit, your circulation will improve, meaning your body gets more of the oxygen and nutrients that it needs. Increased lung capacity means you’ll find it easier to exercise or just do everyday tasks. You’ll have a lower risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease, as well as stroke, and you’ll be less likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer.
Beauty Bonuses
Smoking can have horrible effects on your appearance. It can affect your skin, hair, teeth and nails, due to tobacco, nicotine and the other chemicals that cigarettes contain. When you quit, your improved circulation will mean your skin and hair receive the essential nutrients they need.
Smoking can cause skin to lose its elasticity, so quitting will prevent premature ageing. As well as improving your looks, giving up smoking will also mean your hair, clothes, car and home no longer smell of smoke.
Friends and Family
If giving up smoking for your health isn’t enough to convince you, it can have benefits for your loved ones too. They’ll no longer be exposed to your second-hand smoke, which is especially beneficial for children.
However, it also means that you will be around longer to make them happy. You’ll be much less likely to experience heart disease and other complications that can take you away from them.
There are tonnes of benefits to giving up smoking, from looking better to feeling it. Make your plan of action today to start your journey.
Thank you for this! I gave up six months ago and reading this has just made me grin and give myself a little pat on the back. It’s not easy but it IS so worth it. 😀