Hollywood has long planted the idea of smoking in our minds through TV shows and movies. But, thankfully, people are now more aware of the serious health risks and the effects smoking has on children. So, the big question is: Are there smokers out there who want to quit? If you’re one of them, keep reading to see what happens when you stop smoking.
Got a cigarette in your hand right now? Go ahead and finish it. But once you do, don’t light another. Why? Because after just 20 minutes without smoking, your body will already start going through some amazing changes.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but whenever you feel the urge to smoke, remind yourself of the damage it causes. Smoking harms almost every part of your body. But, the benefits of quitting are huge. Focus on how your body will heal instead of craving that next cigarette.
Here’s what happens after you quit smoking. The changes might surprise you:
- After 20 minutes: Your blood pressure and heart rate drop. And guess what? Your hands and feet will warm up as circulation improves.
- In 8 to 12 hours: The carbon monoxide levels in your blood go down, and your oxygen levels return to normal.
- Within 24 hours: Your risk of a heart attack already starts to drop.
- At 48 hours: Nerve endings begin to heal, improving your sense of taste and smell.
- In 2 weeks to 3 months: Your circulation gets even better. Walking becomes easier, and coughing and wheezing start to fade. By 3 months, your lungs are working noticeably better.
Quitting smoking brings quick and powerful changes to your health. Your body starts healing right away—just give it the chance!
