Whether for your health, your family or to save money, quitting smoking is one of the best things you’ll ever do.
Quitting will dramatically increase your chances of living a longer life. It takes just 20 minutes for your body to start healing once you quit smoking, repairing the damage done by all those years of smoking.
Not only is smoking unattractive and costs you loads of money, it also ages and dulls your skin, makes you put weight on around your waist, starves your hair of oxygen, stains your teeth and leaves a stale tobacco smell that is hard to get rid of.
Overall your health will benefit
• You will reduce your chances of getting lung cancer and be able to breathe more easily
• You will reduce that clogged feeling in your lungs and lose that nasty cough in the morning
• You will reduce your chances of having a heart attack
• You will reduce your risk of developing illness, disability or death caused by cancer, heart or lung disease
• You will reduce your risk of gangrene or amputation caused by circulatory problems
• You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby
• You will improve your breathing and general fitness
Your lifestyle will improve
• You will save money
• You will no longer smell of stale tobacco
• You will enjoy the taste of food more
• You will be able to exercise more comfortably
• You will have more energy
• Your home will smell fresh
• You will reduce the risk of fire in your home
• You will feel more healthy and confident
• You will feel healthier, your skin will improve, and no tobacco stains on your teeth
• You will feel more confident in social situations, and you will not be creating a risk to others with second hand smoke
How quickly will my health improve?
| Time | Impact |
| After 20 minutes | Your blood pressure and pulse go back to normal. Circulation improves, especially in your hands and feet. |
| After 8 hours | Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are reduced by half. Oxygen levels return to normal. |
| After 24 hours | Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Your lungs start to clear out mucus and debris |
| After 48 hours | Your body is now nicotine free. And you’ll notice how your taste and smell have improved. |
| After 72 hours | Your breathing is easier. You will have more energy. |
| In 2-12 weeks | Circulation is now improved throughout your body. It is easier for you to walk and exercise. |
| In 3-9 months | Your lung capacity can improve by 5-10% and you can say goodbye to coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. |
| After 5 years | You now have half the chance of having a heart attack compared to a smoker. |
| After 10 years | The chance of getting lung cancer is half of that of a smoker. Your chance of having a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked. |