Why should you Quit Cigarettes Smoking?

What happens when you quit cigarettes? Well, I  can narrate a first hand experience. 

In 2008, I got introduced to smoking and the habit kept deepening with increased job responsibilities. I did not realize when it became a way to run away from my problems. 

Ironically, I used to think that cigarettes helped me reduce stress. Though the health damage it caused was a cause of stress that was developing slowly. It was a vicious cycle !

Around 8 years later, I was smoking over 5 cigarettes a day – there were periods when I smoked even 20 a day ! 

The job pressure never decreased, but my Blood Pressure kept increasing. I tried quitting multiple times and through multiple methods –  slowly decreasing, quitting at once. But it would always come back ! 

But the will to quit was increasing every day, and one fine day I took multiple steps to quit. I quit cigarettes, and to fill the void that it created, registered for a Half Marathon and started preparing for it. The will within was strong and so the habit changed after a while. The craving went away after about a month, and any desire to smoke again vanished in a couple of months. So much so, that I was able to light cigarettes for others, and give them back without smoking myself. 

Why was I able to stick to my commitment? Because I could see the visible mental and physical changes within myself. 

When tobacco users become aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. However, nicotine contained on tobacco products is highly addictive and without cessation support only 4% of users who attempt to quit tobacco use will succeed. Professional support and proven cessation medications can more than double a tobacco user’s chance of successful quitting.  

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco, World Health Organization

What does cigarettes do to your body and brain ? Health Hazards of Smoking. 

Effects on Body

First, let’s look at what cigarettes do to your body. Cigarettes contain a wide variety of chemicals, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and many others. When you smoke a cigarette, you’re inhaling these chemicals directly into your lungs. Over time, this can cause serious damage to your lungs and other organs, including an increased risk for cancer and heart disease. Even if you don’t smoke, second-hand smoke can still damage your lungs and overall health.

Effects on Brain

Now let’s look at what cigarettes do to your brain. Smoking cigarettes has been linked to a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, and even addiction. When you smoke, the nicotine and other chemicals in the cigarette can affect the way your brain processes information and can make it more difficult to concentrate and focus. Nicotine also has the potential to increase your risk of developing mental health issues and addiction.

Effects on Quality of Life

Finally, smoking can have a negative impact on your overall quality of life. Smoking can lead to reduced physical activity and increased fatigue, and it can worsen existing health issues. It can also increase your risk of developing chronic health conditions such as cancer and heart disease.

10 Things that happen When You Quit Cigarettes Smoking

Here are 10 things that can happen when you quit smoking after years of smoking cigarettes.

1. Your Lungs Will Start to Heal: 

Quitting smoking can help your lungs begin to heal and improve their functioning. After years of smoking, your lungs have been coated in tar, nicotine, and other toxins. When you stop smoking, your body will begin to break down these toxins and your lungs will start to function better again.

Immediately after quitting smoking, in a few days, I started feeling lighter and more airy within. The bad smoky smell within slowly vanished.

2. You Will Have More Energy: 

When you quit smoking, your body will start to receive more oxygen. This will give you an energy boost, which will make it easier to exercise and be more productive in your daily life.

3. You Will Save Money: 

Cigarettes are expensive, and quitting smoking will help you save money in the long run. As your body starts to heal from the effects of smoking, you won’t need to buy cigarettes or other tobacco products.

4. You Can Improve Your Skin: 

Smoking can lead to wrinkles and other skin issues. After quitting, your skin will start to look healthier and younger.

5. You Will Reduce Your Risk of Disease: 

Smoking has been linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of developing these diseases.

6. You Will Have Better Sleep: 

Smoking can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. After quitting, you may find that you sleep better and wake up feeling more rested.

7. You Will Have Better Digestion: 

Smoking can lead to indigestion, heartburn, and other digestive issues. After quitting, your digestive system will start to work more efficiently, improving your digestion and overall health.

8. You Will Have Improved Cognitive Function: 

Smoking has been linked to cognitive decline, including memory loss and difficulty concentrating. After quitting, you will likely find that your memory and concentration improve.

9. You Will Have Better Taste and Smell: 

Smoking causes a variety of problems with taste and smell. After quitting, you will find that your taste and smell start to improve.

10. You Will Reduce Stress: 

Smoking cigarettes can increase stress and anxiety levels. After quitting, you will likely find that your stress and anxiety levels decrease.

Quitting smoking is a difficult process, but it is worth it for the long-term health benefits. If you are a smoker, I can guarantee you that quitting smoking will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

And yes – it’s possible ! 

Cheers !