The Benefits of Tobacco Cessation
For the last few decades a significant amount of time, money, and resources have been spent on researching and reporting the benefits of quitting smoking. It’s not likely that you haven’t heard that tobacco causes cancer, hurts children, and creates problems for those around you that don’t smoke but are subjected to your habit. But what are the real nitty gritty benefits of quitting? Check out these underrepresented physical, mental, and social advantages to kicking that habit.
Physical
Did you know that within 48 hours of quitting, your body has already undergone some important fundamental changes? Your heart rate returns to normal, your ability to taste and smell restores, and your risk of diseases is already starting to reduce. 5 years later, your body could be completely healed of the scars of tobacco use. Overall, you will be able to sleep better, your lungpower will improve, and you will have a decreased risk of many diseases and cancers. For more detailed information about this check out this timeline.
Not only will you feel better, but you will look better. Your skin’s elasticity is greatly affected by smoke, and the constant use of your mouth causes early wrinkling. However, you can slow this process by quitting and moving onto a healthier lifestyle. Your color will come back and your hair and nails will become stronger and healthier as well.
While quitting smoking can be a very complex, keeping these physical benefits in mind can be the hope that you need to keep you going when withdrawal symptoms are taking its toll. Many people can get frustrated about dealing with withdrawal. Here at Lifeline Connections, we are very well aware of that. We suggest that you ask for help when it seems like there is no hope to get you through it. We believe that a strong support group is your greatest ally during this difficult, physically taxing time.
Mental
One of the reasons why many people are reluctant to take the next step to quitting is the mental anxiety attributed to withdrawal. If you have been smoking for a long time, it’s likely that it’s frightening to think about having to deal with stressful situations without the help of a cigarette. But truthfully, cigarettes don’t necessarily have any mental health benefits. They merely stave off withdrawal symptoms. Don’t forget that withdrawal symptoms pass, and the increasingly better feelings of accomplishment and freedom from the chains of nicotine addiction will be there to stay.
In fact, many tobacco quitters have reported to feel less anxiety, less depression, and a happier lifestyle in general compared to when they were smoking.
Don’t forget the wonderful by-products that come from feeling less anxiety such as better memory, less irritability, and better problem solving skills. These are very desirable reasons to start making your plan to quit smoking.
Social
It may seem like small scale spending when you buy one pack a day at around $6 per pack, but that adds up to over $2,000 per year spent on cigarettes. I am sure that you can imagine a lot of different things that money could have been better spent on. When you do start to quit, try putting that money that you would spend in a jar or separate bank account. Then, when you hit your important milestones, take that money and spend it on something really nice for yourself. Take a trip, buy a new outfit, or register for a fun class.
Besides the money, think about the number of things smoking does to restrict your social life. You probably need to consider people that are allergic to tobacco, and also remember to refrain when you are around pregnant friends. But when you quit you will be able to plan events without thinking about when or where you will need to take a cigarette break.
Keep in mind, also, that the smell of tobacco can make some people feel sick. It’s not something you may be able to smell on yourself, but it will be easier to make friends when you don’t have a smell that can be difficult for some people to be around when they aren’t used to it.
We want the best for all our clients. We provide smoke-free environments in our support groups and we treat the whole person. So, give us a call because we want to help you reclaim your body, mind, and social life.
Phone: 360-397-8246 ext. 7467
