If you've been smoking for a while, finding a reason to give up isn't always easy. It's a hard task, and it's not always obvious that it's worth the effort. But instead of choosing just one reason to quit, you can keep lots of them in mind as you go on your journey. Stopping smoking has a whole host of benefits, and not just for your health. While health is the foremost reason to quit, it can improve your lifestyle in so many ways, from the younger-looking skin to a healthier bank balance. When you're working with a long-term goal in mind, such as living longer, it's pretty difficult to stay motivated. But, some immediate results can show you that it's worth it. Think about the following reasons to help you give it up.
Look Younger and Healthier
Smoking is not ideal for your looks. In fact, it's been proved to age your skin faster and increase the appearance of wrinkles. The damage causes to your circulation means that your skin might not get as many nutrients as it should. But when you stop smoking, your blood flow can improve almost right away. Your skin will get its glow back and look younger and healthier than before. Your hair and nails can also be affected by smoking, and quitting will help breathe some life back into them.
Get Sick Less Often
People who smoke can find themselves getting colds and other illnesses more often. When you quit, it gives your immune system a boost, so you're better able to fight off ailments like colds and the flu. It can also mean that you will have fewer headaches, and you'll have more energy too. Not to mention, it significantly reduces your risk of more serious diseases, such as heart disease and lung cancer.
Breathe Better
You might not notice how smoking has affected your lung capacity until you stop. When you go for a run or do another exercise, do you find that you're not getting as much oxygen as you'd like? You may not notice any difficulty with breathing the rest of the time, but if you continue to smoke, as you get older, it can have more of an impact on your daily life. When you give up, you can start to breathe more easily and cough less.
No More Nasty Smell
Let's face it, stale cigarette smoke smells gross. It might be okay while you're smoking, but when it gets into your hair, clothes, and soft furnishings, it's not pleasant. You might have stopped noticing the smell since you're around it all the time. But, if you're a regular smoker, you can guarantee that other people can smell it. If you quit smoking, you can stop letting that smell permeate everything you own. Even switching to e-cigarettes is better because they don't have the same odor that tobacco does. They allow you to get a dose of nicotine, but there's no horrible smell that could make people run a mile.
Protection for Your Friends and Family
If you struggle to stop smoking for your health, think about that of your friends and family. Secondhand smoking can have an effect on how healthy they are too. In fact, it can increase their risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. Plus, children are twice as likely to get illnesses in their chest, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma. Stop smoking and you protect the ones you love in addition to yourself.
More Money
If nothing else, quit smoking because it will make you richer. Smoking is an expensive habit that is a massive drain on your finances. Even if you don't smoke that regularly, look at how much you spend in a month or a year. Now think of all the things you could have spent that on instead of cigarettes. You could save for a vacation, go out for a few meals, buy a new dress, or even finally afford that iPad. Healthier Finances are one of the best reasons to give up smoking, especially if the thought of improving your health just isn't doing it for you.
Less Stress
Do you think having smoke makes you less stressed? Wrong. It does briefly satisfy your nicotine cravings, making you feel calmer. But this feeling of relief is fleeting, and only lasts until you next need to smoke. Research has shown that if you stop smoking you'll have less stress overall. So, take some deep breaths and relax once you've ditched the cigarettes.
Hopefully, some of these benefits have helped you find a reason to quit smoking. And if none of the short-term advantages work, remember it can help you live longer, even if you've smoked for years.
