Quit Smoking and Breathe
Now in its ninth year, Stoptober is back for 2020 to help you make a quit attempt. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your health. When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair, you’ll be able to breathe easier and if you can make it to 28 days smoke-free, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good. There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately. It’s never too late to quit, so join in this Stoptober.
Help to Quit
You do not have to quit alone, there is lots of support available through online resources, peer support, stop smoking services and more.
- Download the free NHS Stoptober app to help you quit smoking and start breathing easier.
The app allows you to; track your progress, see how much you’re saving and get daily support. Click here to download the app on the App Store, or click here to download from the Google Play Store -
Get your free personal quit plan
Click here and answer 3 easy questions to find the combination of support that’s right for you. -
Read up on stop smoking aids
Click here for information on stop smoking aids which help you manage nicotine cravings and other tobacco withdrawal symptoms. -
Find your local Stop Smoking Service
Click here and enter your postcode to get free expert help from your local Stop Smoking Service and boost your chances of quitting by 3 times. -
Get daily email support
If you would like some extra support, you can sign up for 28 days of stop smoking advice and tips – delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to sign up for email support. -
Find your online community
You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment. Click here to join the Quit Smoking Support Group on Facebook -
Want to talk to someone?
Call the free National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only). Talk to a trained adviser for advice and support. Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 4pm
Why Quit? What happens to your body?
The sooner you quit, the sooner you’ll notice changes to your body and health. Look at what happens when you quit for good.
- After 20 minutes
Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal. - After 8 hours
Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half. - After 48 hours
All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving. - 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. - After 2 to 12 weeks
Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved. - After 3 to 9 months
Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10%. - After 1 year
Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s. - After 10 years
More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.
To learn more about quitting smoking and the benefits of this, click here to visit the NHS website.
