Understanding the true impact of smoking
You probably know smoking is harmful, but you might not realise how much it affects your body and every part of your life.
From your health to your mood and your loved ones, smoking can have a bigger impact than you think.
But the good news is that once you quit, you'll notice positive changes almost straight away, proving that it's never too late to quit!
How smoking impacts your mind
Many people think that smoking helps calm their nerves and reduces anxiety. It might feel like a cigarette eases stress or tension, but the truth is it can make things feel worse.
Smoking gives a quick hit of nicotine, which feels relaxing at first, but that feeling fades fast.
When it wears off, you can feel even more anxious, stressed or down. This can lead to smoking more often, but, instead of fixing the problem, it can create a cycle where anxiety and depression get worse, not better.
The good news
When you quit smoking, the natural chemicals in your brain, like dopamine, start to balance out, which helps lift your mood. Over time, you will feel happier, less anxious, and more in control of your life.
Learn the truth about smoking and mental health from our guide.
How smoking impacts your body
Most people know smoking causes heart disease and a wide range of cancers, but may not realise just how far-reaching its damage can be.
Smoking can cause:
Hearing and vision loss
Studies show that smoking increases the risk of hearing loss and eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and vision damage as you age.
Dementia
The UK Alzheimer’s Society says smoking increases the risk of dementia. It damages blood vessels, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Chemicals in smoke also harm cells and cause inflammation, making the risk even higher.
Damage to your joints
Smoking increases inflammation in the body, which can worsen joint pain and damage. It also increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, shoulder tears and osteoporosis.
Digestive issues
Studies show that smoking can harm your digestive system, causing issues like heartburn, ulcers, liver problems, and a higher risk of Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, and gallstones.
High blood pressure
Blood Pressure UK warns that smoking damages blood vessels, narrows arteries, and puts extra strain on your heart by raising your blood pressure.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so getting checked is the only way to know.
If you are 40 or over in England, you can get a free blood pressure check at your pharmacy today.
The good news
The good news is your body will start to heal almost immediately after you quit. Within just 20 minutes, your pulse rate will return to normal.
After 8 hours, harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide in your blood will have halved, making room for more oxygen to flow through your body.
And after 10 years, your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of someone who still smokes.
Read more about the benefits of quitting smoking and how it can improve your health.
How smoking impacts your finances
If you need extra motivation to quit smoking, think about how much of your monthly income is spent on smoking.
Imagine you spend £14 on a pack of cigarettes. Here's what smoking half a pack a day adds up to over time:
- 1 month would cost around £213
- 6 months would cost around £1,277
- 1 year would cost around £2,555
- 5 years would cost around £12,775
- 10 years would cost around £25,550
This does not even account for the extra costs of smoking-related health problems!
The good news
Quitting smoking gives you a lot more disposable income every month. Imagine the possibilities! You could:
- pay off a small debt or catch up on bills
- stock up on groceries or household essentials
- treat your family to a day out or special meal
- save for Christmas or birthday presents
- put it towards something you need, like a washing machine or phone repair
What would you do with this extra money in your pocket?
How smoking impacts your looks
Smoking not only harms your health but also affects your appearance in ways you might not expect.
Did you know that smoking:
- makes your skin age faster, causing wrinkles and sagging
- stains your teeth, turning them yellow over time
- reduces oxygen to your skin, leaving it looking tired and dull
- can cause your hair to thin and fall out
- can turn your fingers and nails yellow
- weakens your hair and nails, making them break easily
- make skin conditions like acne or psoriasis much worse
The good news
Quitting smoking helps your skin heal and look healthier. In just a few days, blood flow improves, giving your skin much more oxygen and nutrients.
Wrinkles may look less noticeable, your complexion can brighten, and you'll stop causing further damage. It's 1 more reason to stay strong on your journey!
How smoking impacts your loved ones
When you smoke, most of the smoke goes into the air around you, where others can breathe it in.
This secondhand smoke can harm your family and friends, increasing their risk of lung cancer, heart disease and breathing problems.
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children and pregnant women.
The good news
Quitting smoking not only protects your health but also creates a safer environment for your loved ones.
Once you stop, secondhand smoke is no longer a risk to your family, giving them cleaner air to breathe and a healthier future.
For more details, visit passive smoking on the NHS website.
You are stronger than your habit!
Smoking harms your health, costs money, and hurts those around you. Quitting can change all of that.
Every cigarette you refuse is a step toward better health, more energy, and more money in your pocket.
You can protect your friends and family and give yourself a better future. It is never too late to quit, and every small effort makes a difference.
Keep going, and you will start to feel the benefits of quitting!
