I get it, it’s 2017. We all know that smoking is bad for you. But there are still plenty of people out there who do regularly smoke but want to stop smoking and build a healthier version of themselves. I myself used to be a smoker. I stopped cold turkey around 7 years ago and have never felt the urge to go back. Other’s are not so lucky. My mother never managed to kick the habit and it killed her on the 25th December, 2016. She was just 59 years old.
So you could say this topic is close to my heart. And with around 1 billion smokers worldwide (200 million of which live in developed countries) it’s a massive problem. Around 6 million people die every year of smoking related diseases, over 5 million of which are the direct result of smoking.
But enough of the preaching. It doesn’t work. It didn’t work on me. I stopped when was ready to stop. And I hope this article finds a few of those people who are ready to quit and helps them in the process by presenting the facts.
So, without further ado, let’s answer the question posed at the top of the article. For the impatient amongst you, scroll down to the video for a quick summary.
What happens when you stop smoking?
- 20 Minutes after quitting: Your heart rate will drop back towards a more normal level.
- 2 Hours after quitting: Blood pressure levels will normalise and circulation will be increased. At this point you may start to feel withdrawal symptoms, which could range from intense cravings, frustrations, increased appetite and trouble sleeping.
- 12 Hours after quitting: Carbon Monoxide levels in your body return to normal levels. This allows for more oxygen within your bloodstream. This is turn lowers your chances of heart and other health problems associated with smoking.
- 24 Hours after quitting: Your risk of heart disease will begin to reduce back towards a normal level (based on your lifestyle). Coronary Heart Disease is the main risk for smokers, who are 70% more likely to suffer from the disease than non smokers.
- 48 Hours after quitting: While smoking, your ability to smell and taste are greatly diminished. Thankfully, this is reversible! And you will begin to notice it just 48 hours after you stop smoking.
- 72 Hours after quitting: So far, most of the effects of quitting have been positive. However, at this point, your body will now be completely free of nicotine and will be desperate for more. This period is the peak of withdrawal. If you can keep reminding yourself of the good done so far, a few days of pain is all you will suffer before the symptoms start to recede. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, cramp, sweating, depression and irritability.
- 2 Weeks after quitting: Alright! You made it this far! internet high-five for you. Your withdrawal symptoms are mainly a thing of the past. On the plus side, you should now be able to partake in physical activity without immediately feeling shattered and out of breath. Your lungs will be clearer, your heart will be working better and your overall health and well-being will be sky rocketing.
- 1 Month after quitting: Your lungs will begin to repair themselves and will be able to fight infection much more easily.
- 1 Year after quitting: Sounds a long time away doesn’t it? But the sooner you begin, the sooner you get there. And to spur you on, think about this. Your risk of heart disease is now half that of a smoker’s.
- 5 to 15 Years after quitting: The amount of toxic chemicals released into your body while smoking is ridiculous and over time, they do lots of damage. Included in this damage is the narrowing of blood vessels, which can increase your risk of stroke massively. Stopping smoking will mean that within 5 to 15 years your body will return to normal and your risk of a stroke will be that of a non smoker.
- 10 years after quitting: Congratulations! Your risk of contracting lung cancer, oral cancer, throat cancer, kidney cancer and pancreatic cancer (amongst others) are now at the same levels as a non smoker.
Some of these benefits may seem a long way away, but they are all tangible health benefits that will prolong your life and more importantly, give you a greater quality of life into your old age. Did you know, that on average, a long-term smoker will live 10 years less than a non smoker? Think about all that you could see, do and accomplish in that time. And that’s without taking into account the smoking related health problems that most smokers have to live with. Don’t limit yourself and your life. Stop smoking today and reap a lifetime of benefits.