What are the real benefits of stopping smoking? Undoubtedly the best reason to stop smoking is because you want to, and you feel it's the right time to quit. You're less likely to succeed if you are just doing it because other people tell you to or you think you ought to.
Reasons to stop smoking
Some of the general reasons to stop smoking are listed here, but, of course, there are plenty of specific reasons too. Everyone is different, and it might keep you motivated if you decide what is most important to you.
Your health
On average, smokers lose 10 years of their life because of their habit. Some of the health reasons to stop smoking include:
- Reducing the risk of getting life-threatening diseases like lung cancer
- Reducing the risk of disability from chronic illness
- Improving your general health so you get fewer colds and minor illnesses
- Helping you to heal more quickly making medication work better
- Reducing the risks associated with surgery
Read Smoking and your health to find out more about the damage smoking can cause and the health benefits of quitting smoking. When you stop smoking, you will feel the benefits of quitting almost immediately.
Quote
"I think most people who do smoke want to give up. It’s very, very hard but I think there is a turning point for everyone. Mine just happened to be my grandson."
- Bella, Edinburgh
Your money
Smoking is an expensive habit. However it’s not just the obvious cost of cigarettes that you have to think about.
As well as the price of cigarettes, think about the less obvious costs. The cost of repairing or replacing clothes and furniture damaged by cigarette burns, for instance. There is also the expense of redecorating to cover up nicotine-stained walls and ceilings. Let’s not forget the higher insurance premiums too.
The cost of smoking adds up. Think about what else you could use that money for.
- Try our online Cost calculator to work out how much you could save by quitting.
Other people’s health
Another reason to stop smoking is for the sake of your friends and family. Many older smokers decide to stop to improve their chances of seeing their children or grandchildren grow up.
Starting a family is often a big incentive to quit. Or maybe you just want to be able to kiss the people you love without worrying about your smelly breath!
Your looks
Sometimes it's the little things that count. Quitting smoking will improve how you look. Perhaps you're sick of having stained teeth and fingers. Or you have wrinkles that make you look older than you are.
Quality of life
A big issue for some smokers is feeling they're not in control of their life – their cigarettes are. Giving up means freedom from an addiction that restricts the way you live.
"The greatest buzz so far is if you are out in company and you say 'No thanks, I don’t smoke'. I don’t say I just quit. It’s excellent. It does give you a wee high to say it."
- James, Dundee
You will start to feel the benefits of quitting smoking in your everyday life. It means enjoying food more because it tastes better, playing football with your mates without getting out of breath, and not having to stand outside in the cold to have a cigarette.
Think about the extra time you'll have to do other things. If it takes six minutes to smoke a cigarette, that works out at two hours a day for a 20-a-day smoker. That's not including time spent emptying ashtrays, searching for lighters, buying cigarettes, checking you've got enough...