Why should you stop smoking?

Are you on the fence about quitting smoking? Here we look at 10 benefits you can see when you stop smoking. 

Back in July 2007, smoking was banned in the workplace and enclosed public spaces. This law is part of the Health Act 2006, which was established to introduce smoke-free environments for the benefit of all. 

Smoking accounts for more than one-third of respiratory deaths and around one-quarter of cancer deaths, so this law aims to benefit the life of the smoker and their colleagues in the workplace, to stop smoking altogether.

It can be difficult to stop smoking, but the benefits are vast. After one month of giving up, your skin will seem clearer, after three to nine months your breathing will have improved and after one year the risk of a heart attack or heart disease will have fallen dramatically.

The NHS and other organisations often promote quit-smoking campaigns like ‘Stoptober’ and ‘Go Smokefree’ to help encourage smokers to give up. Other types of therapy, including counselling, have proven successful when it comes to helping smokers understand the effects of smoking on themselves, their family and their friends with the ultimate goal of stopping for good.

We often associate smoking with physical side effects, however, stopping smoking also has social, financial and mental health benefits.

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

Reduced risk of heart attacks and lung cancer

After one year of being smoke-free, the risk of having a heart attack decreases to half that of a smoker. After 10 years, the risk of lung cancer also decreases to half that of a smoker. After 15 years, the risk of having a heart attack falls to the same level as a non-smoker.

Helps to stop premature ageing

When you stop smoking, your facial ageing slows which delays the development of wrinkles. Ex-smokers also benefit from fresher breath, and whiter teeth, and are less likely to develop gum disease and lose their teeth prematurely.

Increased lung capacity

Within nine months of stopping smoking, you gain 10% of your lung capacity back. This may not necessarily be noticeable until you take part in an intensive sport or you go for a run.

Reduced stress levels

There is a common misconception that smoking decreases stress. The truth is, that it only decreases stress when smoking a cigarette and for a short time afterwards. Between cigarettes, stress can actually be heightened due to cravings for the next fix. Removing this craving from your daily life helps to reduce stress, as you will no longer need to rely on smoking for instant relief.

Improved mood

Smoking impacts the way our brains produce dopamine, the feel-good hormone. Over time it makes it harder and harder for us to produce dopamine without smoking. When you quit, your brain ramps up its ability to promote dopamine again and many people report an improvement in mood.

Improved taste and smell

Another change many smokers will notice when they quit is a heightened sense of taste and smell. Around 4,000 chemical compounds in cigarettes dull your sense of taste, which will gradually return when you give up.

Stronger defence against cold and flu

After two weeks you will feel more energised as your circulation improves. It will be easier to fight off colds and flu, you will feel less tired and will even be less likely to suffer from headaches.

Improving the lives of others

In addition to improving your own life, smoking cessation improves the lives of the people you live with. Children who live with smokers are three times more likely to develop lung cancer later in life, in comparison to children who live with non-smokers. So when you stop, the chances of the people you live with getting lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases dramatically drop.

The financial impact

If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you could save more than £2,000 a year when you give up.

The emotional impact

The emotional impact of smoking is often overlooked. There is always that nagging feeling that you need to stop, either from within or from increasing pressure from society. When you do stop, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and control, knowing you've taken a positive step towards a healthier future.

A non-smoker may think that it's an easy habit to kick. The reality however is very different and many smokers find it incredibly difficult and often need support. Remember, support is available and you are not alone. 

Learn more about quitting smoking, the link between smoking and mental health and what talk therapies can help you quit on our stop smoking page.