The Physical Benefits of Quitting Smoking

When you smoke, you are not only getting tobacco and nicotine, but more than 4000 additional chemicals and 43 known carcinogens including arsenic and formaldehyde. When you quit, you stop giving your body their daily doses of these chemicals and your body reaps the rewards almost immediately.

In 20 Minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse return to normal.

In 8 Hours: Oxygen levels, which are greatly depleted in smokers, return to normal. Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels are reduced by half.

In 24 Hours: The body begins to expel mucus and debris from the lungs. Carbon monoxide is completely eliminated from the body.

In 48 Hours: The body is completely free of nicotine. Your ability to taste and smell should increase.

In 72 Hours: Breathing becomes easier as your bronchial tubes relax. Energy levels increase.

In 2-12 Weeks: Circulation greatly improves. Risk of heart attack greatly decreases.

In 3-9 Months: Breathing problems such as coughing and wheezing should improve as lung function increases by 10%.

In 5 Years: The risk of heart attack is now half that of a smoker.

In 10 Years: The risk of lung cancer is half that of a smoker. The risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, kidneys, bladder and pancreas decreases.

In 15 Years: The risk of heart attack is that of a non-smoker's.

You will also notice an increase in energy, an ability to walk or climb without getting "winded" and an overall feeling of happiness when you are not driven by an addiction to nicotine. So remind yourself - whatever you are going through now is temporary and very, very worth it.