Quit Smoking
Quit Smoking: Take the First Step Towards Better Health
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. By stopping smoking, you significantly reduce your risk of serious health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The benefits begin immediately, and the longer you stay smoke-free, the more your body will heal.
Why Quit Smoking?
Smoking affects nearly every organ in your body. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body starts to recover. Here are some of the improvements you'll notice:
After 20 minutes: Your pulse rate begins to return to normal.
After 8 hours: The level of carbon monoxide in your blood drops by approximately half, and your oxygen levels begin to recover.
After 48 hours: Most of the carbon monoxide has been removed from your body. Your lungs start clearing out mucus, and your sense of taste and smell improves.
After 72 hours: Your breathing becomes easier as your bronchial tubes relax. You’ll also feel more energised.
2-12 weeks: Your circulation improves, which means your heart and muscles receive better blood flow.
3-9 months: Lung function improves by up to 10%, reducing coughing and wheezing.
1 year: Your risk of heart attack is approximately halved compared to when you were smoking.
The Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Aside from the significant physical health benefits, quitting smoking also improves your mental health. Studies show that after just 6 weeks of being smoke-free, many people notice improvements in mood, anxiety levels, and overall wellbeing. By quitting smoking, you not only protect your own health but also protect the health of those around you by eliminating second hand smoke.
How to Quit Smoking
Successfully quitting smoking can take time, but with the right tools and support, you can succeed. Here are some key strategies that can help you:
Pick a Quit Date: Setting a quit date helps you commit to the process. Write it down and mark it on your calendar.
List Your Reasons to Quit: Whether it’s for your health, your family, or your wallet, reminding yourself of your personal reasons for quitting can strengthen your resolve.
Tell People You're Quitting: Sharing your plan with friends, family, and colleagues can provide additional motivation and support.
Use Stop Smoking Aids: Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as patches, gum, or lozenges, can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Have a Plan for Triggers: Identifying your smoking triggers and having a strategy to cope with them can help you resist the urge to smoke. Whether it’s stress, certain social situations, or a cup of coffee, being prepared can make a big difference.
Exercise: Physical activity can help distract you from cravings, improve your mood, and reduce stress.
Join a Support Group: Joining a quit smoking group or an online community can provide encouragement from others who are on the same journey. This support increases your chances of success
Track Your Progress: Use the NHS Quit Smoking App to track your smoke-free days, see how much money you’re saving, and receive daily motivational support. If you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good.
Get Support
Quitting smoking can feel like a daunting challenge, but you don’t have to do it alone. The NHS offers free expert support through local stop smoking services, which can boost your chances of quitting by 3 times. The NHS Quit Smoking Services offer personalised advice and support to help you every step of the way.
For additional support, sign up for 28 days of free quit smoking emails filled with tips, motivation, and expert advice to keep you on track.
When to Seek Help
If you feel like you need more personalised help or have struggled to quit before, it might be time to reach out to a healthcare professional or a local Stop Smoking Service. Professional guidance and support can increase your chances of successfully quitting for good.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health. Whether you use nicotine replacement therapy or behavioural support, there are many resources available to help you. Start your journey today, and enjoy a healthier, smoke-free life.
For more information, visit the NHS Quit Smoking Page