Why It’s Not Too Late – What Happens in the Days, Weeks and Years After You Quit Smoking
We are all aware of the dangers of smoking, but we seldom hear about the benefits of quitting. If you have been smoking for a while it might be easy to have the attitude that the damage is already done so is it really worth it. The answer is, absolutely.
You won’t believe the positive changes that take place in your body as soon as you quit smoking. While there may be cravings and possibly some withdrawal symptoms along the way, stick with your plan and rely on a support network/ Don't quit at quitting, because it is definitely worth it.
Check out this timeline of all the benefits of quitting smoking.
- 1
12-48 HOURS
At 12 hours, your carbon monoxide level is back to normal. Now your heart does not have to work so hard to get oxygen to your body. At 48 hours all nicotine will have purged from the body, and your sense of taste and smell become sharper and nicotine has left your body.
- 2
72 HOURS
After 72 hours bronchial tubes will relax and your energy levels will increase. The odor of smoke on your clothes, hair and hands is gone.
- 3
3-9 MONTHS
After about 3 to 9 months, depending on the person, lung capacity and smoking-related symptoms like coughing, and wheezing should resolve. You breathe better and have more energy.
- 4
ONE YEAR
At the end of a year, your risk of heart disease is half what it was and at five years your chances of stroke and cervical cancer are the same as a non-smoker.
- 5
5 YEARS
After 5 years since your last cigarette, your body should heal itself enough for arteries and blood vessels to begin to widen again greatly reducing your chances of having a blood clot or a stroke.