You should Have realistic expectations - quitting isn't easy, but it's not impossible either. More than 3 million Americans quit every year. Understand that withdrawal symptoms are TEMPORARY. They usually last only 1-2 week
Know that most relapses occur in the first week after quitting, when withdrawal symptoms are strongest and your body is still dependent on nicotine. Be aware that this will be your hardest time, and use all your personal resources - willpower, family, friends, and the tips in this booklet - to get you through this critical period successfully.
Know that most other relapses occur in the first 3 months after quitting, with situational triggers - such as a particularly stressful event - occur unexpectedly. These are the times when people reach for cigarettes automatically, because they associate smoking with relaxing. This is the kind of situation that's hard to prepare yourself for until it happens, so it's especially important to recognize it if it does happen. Remember that smoking is a habit, but a habit you can break.
Realize that most successful ex-smokers quit for good only after several attempts. You may be one of those who can quit your first try. But if you're not, don't give up. Try again.
American Cancer Society states that your breath will smell better immediately after you quit smoking. Other immediate benefits of quitting include better smelling hair and clothes, whiter teeth and an improved sense of smell and taste.
It takes a while for your sub conscious mind to accept the fact that cigarettes are no longer a good option for you, but the changes that happen in your body are pleasant, even though you may not notice them for a while. your body starts to recover immediately after you stop smoking.
Nicotine, being a stimulant, increases your blood pressure, and heart rate. Around 20 minutes after you quit smoking, your blood pressure and heart rate goes back to normal, your blood stream will start to flush out the Carbon monoxide in 8 hours and it will carry more oxygen.
Immediately after quitting:
In as little as 48 hours all the nicotine in your body would have been flushed and
your chances of getting a heart attack decreases.
In 4 days, your energy level increases. Although you may not be able to feel this increase in energy level because you will still be craving for cigarettes.
In around 2 weeks you can expect your blood circulation to become much more efficient than before. It will keep on improving for the next 10 weeks.
In 8 weeks, your mind will start adapting the fact that you are an ex-smoker and will stop the cravings for cigarettes altogether. This is the point when you will feel exalted.
In 6 months your lung capacity goes back to the same when you were a non-smoker. You can feel the increase in your capacity and will be able to breathe better
In about a year you reduce the chances of a stroke to one half and after 5 years your chances of having a heart attack are the same as that of a non-smoker.
In 10 years your chances of lung cancer become the same as that of a non-smoker.
Immediately after quitting:
So even though the first stages after you quit smoking might be really irritating and frustrating, it is definitely worth it in the long run. When you know that you have accomplished something that has improved your life and your health, you are going to feel more confident than you ever felt before.
After 10 years of smoking 2 packs a day, I was finally able to quit smoking for good.
