Taking the initiative to quit smoking is always a good idea, no matter how long one has been smoking for. One’s health improves visibly and they experience better stamina within a small duration. Quality of life improves and one even has a better and healthier outlook. Quitting smoking also has a positive impact on one’s appearance. Let us understand some of the biggest benefits one can enjoy if they decide to quit smoking.

1. Improved Heart Health
One’s heart rate improves within as low as 20 minutes of quitting smoking. In less than 3 months of quitting smoking, the risk of heart attack reduces significantly. The time period for this will depend on the duration for which they have been smoking and the frequency in a day. Within a year of quitting, coronary heart disease risk goes down by 50% as compared to that of a smoker. Thus, quitting smoking will have a direct impact on the health of one’s heart.

2. Improved Lung Health
Smoking has an adverse effect on the health of one’s lungs. Smokers usually experience shortness of breath. If one quits smoking, they will experience less shortness of breath within a couple of weeks and will feel that they can do regular day-to-day activities with more ease. In about 10 years after one quits smoking, the risk of lung cancer is 50 percent as compared to that of a regular smoker.

3. Normalized Blood Pressure
Smoking causes increased blood pressure levels due to the component of nicotine in cigarettes. This, in turn, increases the risk of one having a heart stroke. However, one’s blood pressure begins to normalize within just 20 minutes after they quit smoking.

4. Better Teeth, Skin, Hair, and Nails
Smoking causes the formation of a yellowish film on the teeth. In addition, it can make one’s hair brittle and their skin pale. After one has smoked their last cigarette, blood flow improves in the body which results in better color in skin, hair, teeth, and nails. One’s smile looks better when they quit smoking.

5. Better Circulatory Health
There is carbon monoxide in cigarettes which is the same poisonous chemical that is also present in the exhaust fumes of cars. This chemical accumulates in the bloodstream, which creates a lack of oxygen in blood, making the heart work harder to pump blood. Carbon monoxide levels in the body drop to normal and blood circulation is improved just after 12 hours of quitting the habit of smoking.

6. Lower Chances of Diabetes
The risk of diabetes is decreased if one quits smoking as it has a direct impact on the blood sugar levels. Thus, if one has a history of diabetes in their family, they should not take up smoking at all, or quit immediately if they do.