I have never smoked, never even picked up a cigarette.
Smoking is something I feel very strongly about.
Smoking killed all four of my grandparents, three of them had died by the time I was ten.
Smoking, robbed me of my grandparents.
I’m the person that will cross my entire family across the road to avoid a smoker.
I’m the person that will ask you to go and smoke somewhere else if you light up near my family.
Giving up cigarettes may be a battle, but it’s one that’s well worth fighting. If you’re a smoker and you need added motivation to stop, keep reading. Here are seven reasons why you should quit the habit for good.
Increases your life expectancy
There’s no getting around the fact that cigarettes are bad for your health. Smoking is responsible for nine in 10 lung cancers and it raises the risk of cancers elsewhere around the body too, including in the throat, mouth, bladder, kidney, stomach, liver and pancreas. It also increases the danger of heart disease and chronic bronchitis. In fact, half of all long-term smokers die early from health problems related to cigarettes. Don’t despair though. Studies suggest that kicking the habit by the age of 30 can add 10 years to your life, while quitting at 60 can up your life expectancy by three years.
Lowers your stress levels
OK, so when you’re trying to overcome those nasty nicotine cravings, your stress levels might soar. In the long term though, giving up cigarettes could make you more relaxed. Research has shown that people’s stress levels are lower when they go smoke-free. This is partly because the withdrawal symptoms between cigarettes disappear. It is also related to the fact that non-smokers have more oxygen in their bodies, which is good for general mental wellbeing. To reduce your cravings and stress levels when you’re in the process of giving up, you can turn to nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gums, or you can take medicines such as Champix. You’ll find plenty of information and advice on how to stop smoking on health websites such as https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/.
Helps you breathe easier
Imagine how much better life would be if you didn’t struggle to catch your breath after climbing a flight of stairs or running a few steps. If you succeed in giving up smoking, your lung capacity could improve by up to 10 per cent in just nine months, helping you to feel fitter and healthier.
Improves your fertility
Many people don’t realise it, but quitting the habit can also boost your fertility by improving the lining of your womb. Becoming a non-smoker improves your chances of conceiving through IVF too, and it reduces the risk of miscarriage.
Improves your complexion
Putting the cigarettes down for good can give you better skin as well. Studies have suggested that giving up smoking can delay facial ageing and slow the appearance of wrinkles. This is because non-smokers’ skin benefits from more oxygen and nutrients. So, forget expensive face creams. Saying no to cigarettes is one of the most effective ways to keep your complexion in good condition.
Enhances your sense of smell and taste
Your sense of smell and taste should improve if you quit too. Smokers’ senses are dulled by the cocktail of chemicals found in cigarettes. This means that if you want to make the most of your meals, you have an added incentive to take action.
Saves you money
Last but not least, think of all the money you could save if you stop smoking. The average smoker gets through 13 cigarettes a day, totalling 364 per month. Over the course of a year, this sets them back £1,696. A great way to boost your motivation is to calculate exactly how much cash you splash on this habit, and then think of the other things you could use this money for.
