When a person quits smoking, he/she faces unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. But, do not be disheartened. These symptoms are temporary, and the many benefits you accrue from a tobacco-free life should motivate you to overcome the transient symptoms cheerfully.
Changes that Occur after Quitting Smoking
When a smoker quits smoking, his/her body will start to undergo changes for the good. Read on to learn more about these healthy changes, that may motivate you to chuck the dreadful smoking habit for good.
- Within the first 20 minutes, pulse rate and blood pressure descend to normal levels.
- In eight hours, blood circulation improves, and oxygen level becomes normal. This occurs because there is a reduction in the levels of nicotine and carbon monoxide in the blood.
- If you do not smoke for 24 consecutive hours, your body will completely eliminate carbon monoxide and nicotine from the blood.
- If you do not smoke for two consecutive days, the risk of suffering a heart attack is reduced. Besides, your senses of smell and taste will improve.
- After day three, you will begin to feel fresher and your breathing also becomes more easy as your bronchial tubes start to relax.
- After two weeks of non-smoking, your skin appearance will improve. Besides, the yellow stains on your nails will disappear.
- After five months of quitting smoking, you will find a great improvement in your overall health. There will be no wheezing and coughing, or phlegm production. You will also be able to walk more easily.
- After a year of quitting smoking, the risk of getting a heart attack reduces by 50%, compared to smokers. After five years of non-smoking, the risk of contracting a stroke becomes similar to non-smokers. After five more years, the risk of lung cancer reduces. If you remain smoke-free for a few years, the risk of heart attack will become similar to that of non-smokers.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
After a few years of quitting smoking, you will feel much healthier. Your friends and family members have been spared the trials and tribulations of passive smoking. You have saved a lot of money by quitting cigarettes. Your psychological outlook has become more confident and happy. Think about all these benefits and quit smoking for good starting now.
