Here’s how you can quit smoking and start to feel the benefits

There are lots of benefits to quitting smoking; some you’ll be aware of but others might surprise you. Keep reading to find out more and get tips on how you can quit for good.

Health benefits of stopping smoking

You should begin to notice a difference in your overall health from around 2 weeks after stubbing out your last cigarette. You should also find:

You have lots more energy than you had before.
You don’t fall ill as often, as your immune system will be boosted.
You don’t feel as stressed.
Your senses should be enhanced. You’ll be able to taste and smell things that were masked by the chemicals in your cigarettes in the past.
Your skin should look healthier and you’ll have fewer acne breakouts.
Your teeth will become less stained.
Your life expectancy will be boosted because you’ll have lowered your chances of heart disease, a stroke, heart attack, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
For both men and women, your sex life can improve and your fertility can be boosted.

Quitting smoking can save you money

Smoking is expensive, but you don’t need us to tell you that. A packet of 20 cigarettes costs around £9.60 today but it’s thought that this could rise to £15 a packet by 2020. In quitting, the average person saves around £250 a month.

Quitting doesn’t mean you’ll put on weight

You shouldn’t worry unnecessarily that you’ll put on weight once you quit smoking. Try to start each day with a healthy breakfast, such as smashed avocado on wholemeal toast or a healthy cooked breakfast, and you’ll have all the fuel you need to kick-start your morning. And if you’re worried about snacking to ease those cravings, go for healthy snacks instead.

Cooking from scratch is also a great way to eat healthily, and with your taste buds back in action, why not dust off those cookery books and treat your palette to some tasty home-cooked meals.

And don’t forget about exercise. Not only will this help to keep any weight gain at bay, but it can also be a great distraction for when you feel the need to light up.

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How to quit smoking successfully

Having made the decision to say no to nicotine, it’s important that you stay focused and don’t substitute cigarettes for another vice. Our 3 ways to break a bad habit article offers great tips, such as changing your environment if you don’t want to relapse, or rewarding yourself when you reach certain milestones. So start by setting yourself achievable goals and look to get the help and support of those around you. If you need additional support, don’t be afraid to speak to your GP or pharmacist.

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