Put your cigarette out before it puts you out
Wait no more. There is ample support and numerous benefits for you to quit smoking.
In Malaysia, anyone over 18 can buy cigarettes over the counter at a convenience store, but each pack comes with horrific and graphic warnings of the effects of smoking.
As a result, smokers are aware of the risks and know they should quit, but unfortunately many fail to overcome the addiction.
To motivate you to kick the habit for good, regularly remind yourself of all these benefits that you’ll enjoy if you quit smoking now.
Clear and alert mind
Breaking the cycle of addiction is primarily a mental challenge. The smoker’s brain contains many nicotine receptors; quitting smoking returns them to a normal state, rewiring the brain within one month.
Additionally, research has shown that smokers who quit exhibit better mental health over the long term. They are less depressed, anxious, and stressed, which is related to a better quality of life. In contrast, trying and failing to quit can weaken mental health in the long term.
Physical fitness
It’s no secret that smoking exposes the lungs to dangerous chemicals. Well, the good news is that the body’s oxygen level increases after just 12 hours without a cigarette.
The lack of carbon monoxide makes it easier to breathe, especially when performing strenuous activities like exercise. Ex-smokers are more energetic as their bodies now get enough oxygen at all times.
Smoking also increases your heart rate, which increases the risk of blood clots, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease. Your heart rate returns to normal within 20 minutes post-cigarette, but blood pressure and circulation only improve significantly months after kicking the habit.
Taste and smell
Smoking damages nerve endings in the nose and mouth, which dulls the two important senses involved in enjoying food: taste and smell. These nerve endings begin to heal within just two days of quitting, restoring both your senses.
As a non-smoker, you will make a conscious decision to only enter spaces with clear air. Also say goodbye to the days of carrying the stench of smoke around in your hair and clothes, so now everyone around you can breathe better, too.
Confidence from looking and feeling good
A smoker’s lips always betray their habit. Not only does smoking darken your lips and gums, it also dries out your skin and hair. This may cause breakouts, patchy skin, and brittle, frizzy hair.
After you stop smoking, your lips, gums and skin gradually clear up and your hair regains its shine and strength. This improved appearance can be a great motivator to keep cigarettes at bay.
When you look and feel good, your confidence will receive a boost more powerful than the temporary satisfaction nicotine delivers.
Healthy golden years
All the benefits listed above prove that quitting smoking contributes to a greater sense of well-being. This improved quality of life will follow you into your golden years, maintaining healthy vital organs and increasing immunity against diseases.
Research on millions of ex-smokers reveal that the benefits of smoking cessation are solidified over time.
Within five years of quitting, your risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke is lowered by 38% compared to those who continue smoking. That’s why it’s better to quit while young and enjoy the rest of your life smoke-free.
So wait no more. These days there is ample support for you to quit smoking, whether it is the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as patches and gums or the government-provided mQuit service that has been made widely available.
No one has to fight the battle against addiction alone.
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This article first appeared on Hello Doktor. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.