According to the NHS, people who make the change will experience health benefits ‘almost immediately’
The NHS has revealed the ‘best thing’ anyone can do for their health. Sharing advice on social media, the health authority explained that people who make the lifestyle swap will experience the health benefits ‘almost immediately’.
Posting on X, the NHS explained that the best thing people can do for their health is to quit smoking. The message read: “Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. When you stop, you’ll experience health benefits almost immediately. It’s never too late to quit.”
The NHS detailed how the change affects the body in a matter of hours. The post explained: “After eight hours, your oxygen levels are recovering and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half. After 72 hours, if you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.”
The NHS continued: “After two to twelve weeks, blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved. After three to nine months, any coughs, wheezing, and breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%. After one year, your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.”
The NHS Better Health website shares advice on quitting smoking, including how to plan for cravings and withdrawals. There’s also the option to start a free personalised eight-step quit plan.
The advice states: “Quitting smoking is a journey with ups and downs, and some people may experience unexpected effects after they quit. This is completely normal.
“As your body adjusts to a healthier lifestyle, you may notice changes in both your body and mind. Understanding what may happen can help you feel prepared and avoid unnecessary worry, keeping you on track to stay smoke free.”
The benefits of quitting smoking include better physical and mental health and a reduced risk of smoking-related diseases. The NHS says stopping also helps to protect the people around you from secondhand smoke, or passive smoking, which is dangerous for anyone who is exposed to it.
Highlighting the mental health benefits, the NHS said: “You may think that smoking supports your mental wellbeing, and helps you to relax, deal with stress and anxiety, and cope with life’s difficulties. In fact, the opposite is true. Stopping smoking boosts mental health and wellbeing.
“Evidence shows that after the withdrawal stage of quitting, people have reduced anxiety, depression and stress. People who have quit also have increased positive mood compared with people who continue to smoke.” The NHS added: “It can take as little as 6 weeks to start feeling the mental health benefits of stopping smoking.”
