Well, it’s ‘Stoptober’ and lots of you are planning to quit. We all know there are plenty of health benefits to quitting. But have you ever wondered just how fast your body adapts back to good health after you stop smoking? This infographic on the benefits of quitting smoking will make it nice and clear.
Immediate benefits
20 minutes after you stop smoking – your heart rate and blood pressure stabilise, and you stop polluting the air around you.
24 hours after you quit smoking – your smoker’s breath disappears, and oxygen levels normalise.
24 to 48 hours after quitting – your carbon monoxide level goes back to the level of a non-smoker
2-3 days after you stop smoking – your sense of taste and smell improve, and breathing is easier.
2 to 4 weeks after you quit smoking – most people find nicotine withdrawal symptoms have ended
Longer term benefits
2 weeks to 3 months after you stop smoking – lung function improves
1-9 months after you quit smoking – blood circulation and energy levels improve, and exercising becomes easier.
1-5 years after you stop smoking – you have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
10 to 15 years after you quit smoking – your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker.
Some people find hypnotherapy a great support as they stop smoking. Find out more on this site or contact me if you need my help.
Author: Debbie Waller is a professional therapist, specialising in stress, anxiety and related issues, including gut-directed hypnotherapy to help with the symptoms of IBS. She also offers EMDR/Blast which is used for trauma, PTSD, phobias and OCD. For more information on any of these services, phone 01977 678593.
Researcher: Rae Waller is an experienced researcher and writer with a special interest in mental health issues. Rae offers drafting, fact-checking, proofreading, and editing for anything from a leaflet to a website, a blog or a book, and can also provide diversity reading, especially for LGBTQ+ and autism-related issues. Please contact rae@debbiewaller.com for further information.
