Quitting smoking brings many benefits, but it starts with the tough part. Giving up an addiction is not easy, and your body will let you know as it goes through the detoxification process to get rid of nicotine and other chemicals. It may be a difficult start, but the unpleasant effects do not last long and will bring you many lasting rewards.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The first hurdle of quitting smoking may be the withdrawal symptoms you face. But these initial results will be the only negative part of the after effects. Symptoms may last for 2 to 3 days to get the nicotine and other toxins out of the body, the American Cancer Society says. Some unpleasant symptoms may include frustration or impatience, anxiety, irritability, restlessness or boredom, trouble sleeping, headaches, increased appetite, coughing or sore throat.
Healthy Compensation
Blood pressure usually drops to a normal level just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop to normal 8 to 12 hours after quitting. Your chances of having a heart attack decrease just 24 hours after you quit smoking, according to the American Federation of Aging Research. Within weeks, your circulation and lung capacity greatly improve. With the lung functioning normally again, you will notice you are not so short of breath and you are not coughing as much. Physical activity or exercise might start becoming fun instead of a chore. A year after quitting, an ex-smoker's risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker's. The risk of stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker in 5 to 15 years. The risk of heart disease is the same as a non-smoker 15 years after quitting. Your body is cleansed of harmful substances that can cause cancer.
Social Benefits
You will notice almost immediate benefits after quitting, such as fresher breath, clothes that don't smell of smoke and the disappearance of yellow fingers. Food begins to taste better and your sense of smell returns to normal. You will become more socially acceptable to people. You won't have to ask friends if you can smoke in their homes and you won't have to leave a function to take a smoke break. Starting a romantic relationship will be easier because you are now part of the majority. Your work will improve because you don't need time off to smoke or worry about your next smoke. Another benefit is that you will have more money to spend. The money you save on cigarettes will buy you many items you have wanted for a long time.
