The Quit Smoking Timeline

Making a decision in quitting smoking is a big commitment, and having a quit smoking timeline is helpful. This allows one to know exactly what happen to the body upon starting to quit smoking. One should know that, the minute upon quitting smoking, the healing process begins just minutes after the last cigarette.

Below, we will take a look at how the body reacts and starts the healing process within just few minutes after the last cigarette. If you decide to quit now, your body can begin reaping the benefits for deciding to quit, and become a non-smoker for the rest of your life.

The Quit Smoking Timeline And How The Body Heals Itself

• 20 minutes - Within 20 minutes of quitting, the heart rate and blood pressure will go down.
• This is how fast the body reacts and starts the process of healing itself. Take note that there are various symptoms of nicotine withdrawal at this stage up to 48 hours of cigarette abstinence. However, do not let it discourage you, think of the many benefits and advantages that we are going to look at as we continue.
• 12 hours - Carbon monoxide level would to a normal and oxygen rise to its appropriate level.
• 1 day - The body is able to decrease the risk of heart attack. This alone can have a huge impact in your life.
• 2 days - After 2 days of non-smoking, the sense of smell and taste tends to go back to normal, and continually gets better as one progresses to become a non-smoker.
• 2 to 3 weeks - Within this period of non-smoking, the lungs will be the one to get the most benefits. Lung function and circulation significantly improved, and it is noticeable that, exercising and walking becomes easier at this point.
• 1 and 9 months - Smokers cough and shortness of breath start to decrease and the lungs continue to recover and improved, reducing the risks of infection.
• 5 years - Within this long of quitting and being a non-smoker, the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is cut in half. Moreover, the risks of stroke and heart disease is now the same as of the person who has never smoked in his or her entire life.
• 10 years and beyond - Having to become a non-smoker this long since the last cigarette, and continues to endeavor to become a non-smoker for the rest of a lifetime, risk of dying of lung cancer is now the same with the person who never smoked ever since.

Smoking can take a very serious toll in the body. However, the good news is, the body is surprisingly strong, and if given a chance, it can certainly bounce back.

When you are ready to take that big commitment of quitting smoking, find which which strategy that can assist in quitting more easily, and increase the chance of being successful. Take the time to review the quit smoking timeline mentioned. Ponder upon the benefits it can reward the body as well as for the people around.

Always remember, even though quitting is difficult, it can have an enormous impact towards the body, both inside and outside. It is never too late to quit, just do it.