Stopping smoking is one of the greatest things you can ever do for your health. Stress is one of the main reasons why people start or continue smoking, but it also makes quitting more difficult and less effective. However, there are ways to quit smoking even when life gets overwhelming by using effective coping strategies and seeking professional help. Keep reading to find out the benefits of quitting smoking and how to go smoke-free for life.
What are the benefits of quitting smoking?
There are several advantages to quitting smoking for both your physical and mental health. Here are a few of the main advantages:
• Smoking weakens immunity, which makes it more difficult for the body to fight off illnesses. Giving up smoking helps strengthen the immune system and lower the chance of infection.
• Heart disease and stroke are both greatly increased by smoking. Stopping smoking will lower your risk of acquiring these diseases and strengthen your heart.
• Smoking is a major contributor to lung cancer as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, bladder, and kidney. Quitting smoking can lower the risk of getting these conditions.
• Damages to the lungs and risk of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are caused by smoking. Stopping smoking can enhance lung health and lower the risk of acquiring respiratory diseases.
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are all linked to smoking. Giving up smoking can enhance general well-being and mental health.
• Smoking can hasten the ageing process, cause wrinkles, and stain teeth. Giving up smoking might enhance one’s overall appearance and skin health.
Financial benefits of going smoke-free
Smoking is costly and prices will keep going up. For example, if you’re smoking 20 cigarettes per day, you’re likely to spend roughly £3,500 a year. This is based on the average cost of £9.60 for a pack of 20 cigarettes.
There are numerous financial benefits to quitting smoking. Below are some of the benefits of stopping smoking:
Reduced spending on cigarettes
One of the most immediate financial benefits of quitting smoking is the money you’ll save on cigarettes.
Lower healthcare costs
Smoking is a leading cause of a range of health problems that are expensive to treat. Therefore, smokers tend to have higher healthcare costs than non-smokers. By quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing these health problems, hence saving money on medical bills.
Lower insurance premiums
Many life insurance companies charge higher premiums for smokers because of the increased risk of health problems. By quitting smoking, you may be able to qualify for lower insurance premiums, which can save you a significant amount of money over time.
How does stress trigger smoking?
Stress is one of the main causes of people starting or continuing to smoke. A person’s body responds to stress by releasing the hormone cortisol, which raises blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate in order to prime the body for a “fight or flight” response. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and pleasure, is released as a result of smoking cigarettes. Because of this, smoking can momentarily reduce tension and anxiety in a person, which can lead to a cycle of dependence on smoking to cope with stress.
Strategies for saving money while you go smoke-free
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity to save money. Here are some strategies for saving money while quitting smoking:
Create a budget
Start by making a budget that accounts for your ongoing cigarette costs as well as any additional smoking-related costs, such as lighters and ashtrays. After quitting smoking, use this budget to assess your success and use the money you save on other financial objectives.
Use smoking cessation aids
Although smoking cessation aids like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges can be pricey, they are frequently less expensive over the long run than continuing to smoke. To save money, look for offers and discounts on these products.
Try vaping
While there are some risks associated with vaping, it can still be less expensive than smoking cigarettes. Use cheap vaping equipment and e-liquids as the first step in quitting nicotine permanently.
Make healthier lifestyle choices
Numerous communities provide free hotlines, online resources, and support groups for quitting smoking. Take advantage of these resources to save money on expensive counselling services.
Avoid triggers
Smoking frequently goes hand in hand with other unhealthy lifestyle choices like excessive drinking or poor eating practices. Adopting healthier lifestyle choices will not only help you quit smoking but can also save you money in the long term.
Ultimately, both short and long-term financial gains can result from quitting smoking.
Quit smoking with Luxtons Pharmacy’s support in Exeter, Devon
Get in touch or book your appointment with Luxtons Pharmacy today to sign up for our stop-smoking service and go smoke-free effectively. We’ve helped combat smoking addiction in Exeter, Devon for over several decades. Our team of experts are ready to support you with a healthier lifestyle.
This blog post was written on behalf of Luxtons Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.