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Getting ready to quit

The earlier you quit smoking, the more you're likely to benefit.

But it's never too late – because quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked.

Why quit?

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After 20 minutes - Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal.

Graphic of a clock showing 8 hours elapsing

After 8 hours - Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half.

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After 48 hours - All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.

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After 72 hours - If you notice that breathing feels easier, it's because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.

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After 2 to 12 weeks - Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.

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After 3 - 9 months - Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%.

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After 1 year - Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker's.

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After 10 years - More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker's.

Source: NHS Better Health

Quitting smoking improves your physical health and boosts your mental health and wellbeing. There's a cost benefit, too - if you smoke ten a day, you could save over £2,000 a year. You’ll benefit in so many ways and your loved ones will benefit too. For further information on the benefits of quitting smoking visit:

Tips for Quitting

You have made a great decision to give up smoking. Here are some tips from NHS Better Health to help you succeed. 

  • List your reasons to quit.
  • Tell people you're quitting.
  • If you have tried to quit before, remember what worked.
  • Use stop smoking aids.
  • Have a plan if you are tempted to smoke.
  • List your smoking triggers and how to avoid them.
  • Keep cravings at bay by keeping busy.
  • Exercise away the urge.
  • Throw away all your cigarettes before you start. Remember, there is never "just 1 cigarette". You can do it! 

Remember, you're three times more likely to quit successfully with the support of a stop smoking service – so contact your local free stop smoking services for Coventry And Warwickshire today!