I was a long time smoker, starting when I was around 19. I quit cold turkey several times over the years, especially when I was expecting my children. But I always started back. At the time I started, smoking was very acceptable. We could smoke in airplanes, at work, in restaurants and everyone did on TV shows. Around 350 days before writing this I gave it up for good! I did not quit for anyone except myself. It was a decision long time coming. But it had to be my decision alone.
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I prepared for the quit day by working with my primary care doctor who prescribed a form of Chantix. It is a drug that is designed to let you smoke while starting the medication. It works by blocking nicotine’s effect in the brain that make you want to smoke. I also read that cinnamon sugar free gum helps, so I got several packs.
I’m happy to say that I was able to quit! But I do miss it 🙁 I guess I will miss it for a long time. I’m just happy that I am now an ex-smoker! Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and it can take time for your body and mind to adjust to not having it. But anytime you are smoke-free is good for you!
Remember that quitting smoking is a process, and it’s okay to ask for help and support along the way. Reach out to friends and family, join a support group, or talk to your healthcare provider about additional strategies for managing cravings and staying smoke-free.
What Happens To Your Body And Mind When You Quit Smoking?
Quitting smoking can have numerous positive effects on both the body and mind. Here are some of the changes that may occur:
- Improved lung function: Quitting smoking can help improve lung function by reducing inflammation and allowing the lungs to heal.
- Reduced risk of cancer: Smoking is a major risk factor for many types of cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing cancer and can also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in people who have already been diagnosed.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quitting smoking can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of these conditions.
- Better immune function: Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Quitting smoking can help improve immune function and reduce the risk of infections.
- Reduced anxiety and depression: Smoking is often used as a way to cope with stress, but it can actually increase anxiety and depression over time. Quitting smoking can help reduce these symptoms and improve overall mental health.
- Improved sense of taste and smell: Smoking can dull the senses of taste and smell, but quitting smoking can help these senses return to normal.
- Better oral health: Smoking can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and other dental problems. Quitting smoking can improve oral health and reduce the risk of these conditions.
When Should I Feel Better After Quitting?
The timeline for when you may start to feel better after quitting smoking can vary from person to person, as it depends on several factors such as how long you have been smoking, how much you smoke, and your overall health.
However, here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:
- Within 20 minutes of quitting smoking: Your blood pressure and heart rate may start to decrease.
- Within 8 hours of quitting smoking: The carbon monoxide level in your blood starts to decrease, which can increase the amount of oxygen in your body.
- Within 48 hours of quitting smoking: Your sense of smell and taste may start to improve.
- Within 72 hours of quitting smoking: Breathing may become easier as your lung function improves.
- Within 2-12 weeks of quitting smoking: Your circulation and lung function may continue to improve, making physical activity easier.
- Within 1-9 months of quitting smoking: Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath may start to improve as your lungs repair.
- Within 1 year of quitting smoking: Your risk of heart disease is halved compared to a smoker’s.
- Within 5-15 years of quitting smoking: Your risk of stroke may decrease to that of a non-smoker.
- Within 10 years of quitting smoking: Your risk of lung cancer is halved compared to a smoker’s.
Remember that these are general timelines and everyone’s experience may be different. The most important thing is to stay committed to quitting and to seek support if you need it.
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