What to Expect When You Quit Smoking

Once you make the decision to quit smoking, you realize that there will be bad days where you become convinced that you will not be able to do it. Hopefully, you power through those feelings and make it to a whole new day. Yes, it is hard. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is worth it. Eventually it will become easier and easier until you wake up one morning and realize that you are no longer a smoker. Imagine that day when the cravings are bad and it might be a little easier to bear. You know what smoking has done to your body over the years, the physical changes that you have had to deal with, now you should know what to expect when you quit smoking. The benefits that you will realize from the very moment you put that cigarette down are physical, mental and financial and should be enough to help you through your darkest days. These effects are:

– Physical Benefits
Good:  Most people report a lessening of smoking related wrinkles on their face in as little as one month from their last cigarette. These include the fine lines around the lips that are almost always seen on smokers.

Better: Nonsmokers have less instances of cough and colds even during the cold and flu season and those who do get ill are more likely to return to good health in a few days as opposed to a few weeks for smokers.

Best: Nonsmokers have more physical stamina and endurance than smokers and are more likely to engage in healthier activities like walking, jogging and running. Lungs begin clearing and working more efficiently in as little as a few hours after quitting.

-Mental Benefits:
Good: Smoking may mask or hide the symptoms of treatable mental health problems. Once the smoker stops, they may be able to recognize and get help for these issues.

Better: Smokers may tend to make poor choices in social situations. Quitting smoking may allow for better thought processes to return or develop.

Best: Nonsmokers are less likely to develop cognitive problems later in life. The rate of smokers who develop Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias is high enough to be scary.

- Financial Benefits
Good: Smoking can cost over $2000 per year (at the very minimum) just for cigarettes alone. This does not include the other associated costs of smoking.

Better: A nonsmoker pays far less for health and life insurance simply because they do not smoke. Becoming a nonsmoker can qualify you for these reduced rates.

Best: Smoking costs $97 billion dollars or more each year in health care costs and the cost of lost productivity from ill workers every single year.

It does not take a lot of thought to see that there are no real benefits for continuing to smoke, but plenty to be realized if you quit. Fewer places allow smoking, anywhere near their buildings, so it will only be harder and harder to smoke. Remember this image: most smokers took up the habit to fit in with popular crowd when they were teens. Now they are adults, reduced to sitting alone in their cars, puffing away. Not a really pleasant thought, is it? Add that to the list of benefits- increased socialization. Once you quit smoking, you can spend your lunchtime and work breaks talking to your coworkers.