20 Minutes after quitting
Your heart rate will drop back towards a more normal level.
2 Hours after quitting
Blood pressure levels will normalise and circulation will be increased. At this point you may start to feel withdrawal symptoms, which could range from intense cravings, frustrations, increased appetite and trouble sleeping.
12 Hours after quitting
Carbon Monoxide levels in your body return to normal levels. This allows for more oxygen within your bloodstream. This is turn lowers your chances of heart and other health problems associated with smoking.
24 Hours after quitting
Your risk of heart disease will begin to reduce back towards a normal level (based on your lifestyle). Coronary Heart Disease is the main risk for smokers, who are 70% more likely to suffer from the disease than non smokers.
48 Hours after quitting
While smoking, your ability to smell and taste are greatly diminished. Thankfully, this is reversible! And you will begin to notice it just 48 hours after you stop smoking.
72 Hours after quitting
So far, most of the effects of quitting have been positive. However, at this point, your body will now be completely free of nicotine and will be desperate for more. This period is the peak of withdrawal. If you can keep reminding yourself of the good done so far, a few days of pain is all you will suffer before the symptoms start to recede. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, cramp, sweating, depression and irritability.
2 Weeks after quitting
Alright! You made it this far! internet high-five for you. Your withdrawal symptoms are mainly a thing of the past. On the plus side, you should now be able to partake in physical activity without immediately feeling shattered and out of breath. Your lungs will be clearer, your heart will be working better and your overall health and well-being will be sky rocketing.
1 Month after quitting
Your lungs will begin to repair themselves and will be able to fight infection much more easily.
1 Year after quitting
Sounds a long time away doesn’t it? But the sooner you begin, the sooner you get there. And to spur you on, think about this. Your risk of heart disease is now half that of a smoker’s.
5 to 15 Years after quitting
The amount of toxic chemicals released into your body while smoking is ridiculous and over time, they do lots of damage. Included in this damage is the narrowing of blood vessels, which can increase your risk of stroke massively. Stopping smoking will mean that within 5 to 15 years your body will return to normal and your risk of a stroke will be that of a non smoker.
10 years after quitting
Congratulations! Your risk of contracting lung cancer, oral cancer, throat cancer, kidney cancer and pancreatic cancer (amongst others) are now at the same levels as a non smoker.