It’s never too late to quit smoking – that’s the message in the run up to No Smoking Day 2022 (March 9) – and the benefits begin within 20 minutes.
Quitting can bring benefits to almost anyone at any age as the body begins to recover. Stopping can also save you money and reduce stress and anxiety within weeks. Here’s how your body recovers:
After 20 minutes
Your pulse rate starts to return to normal.
After 8 hours
Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the level of harmful carbon monoxide in your blood will have reduced by half.
After 48 hours
All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.
After 72 hours
If you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.
After 2-12 weeks
Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.
After 6 weeks
Smokers who stop have better mental health than those who continue to smoke. One study found that benefits could be seen as soon as six weeks and were maintained even a number of years after stopping.
After 3-9 months
Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases.
After 1 year
Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
After 10 years
Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
Source: www.nhs.uk – Quit smoking
To get started, contact your pharmacy, GP or to find local support and free online quitting tools visit www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking.