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With your first day of quitting smoking for Stoptober, your body will already be seeing the benefits of stopping smoking. What is in store for the week ahead?
Stoptober – Your First Day of Quitting Smoking
Whether you started on the 1st or wanted a Monday start, it’s a start to be proud of!
Stoptober is here – the month of October where smokers are challenged to give up cigarettes for 28 days. Many have probably already taken the first steps on their quitting journey, but some may only be looking to start today. But what does it mean to quit smoking? And is there really any way to see the benefits on day one?
You’d be surprised to know that in only a short amount of time your body will start to see the benefits, even if you don’t notice them right away.
What happens on your first day of quitting smoking?
On your first day of being smoke-free, you might be able to notice a few small changes, namely that your pulse rate will have started to normalise. Those who smoke tend to have higher blood pressure and increased heart rate than those who don’t, although blood pressure may take a little longer to normalise, your heart rate will begin to normalise within 20 minutes of not having a cigarette.
After eight hours of not smoking your oxygen levels begin to recover and the levels of carbon monoxide in your blood will be halved. Carbon monoxide is but one of the extremely harmful chemicals created by cigarette smoke that creates numerous health problems. Although physically you might not notice it much, your body is slowly beginning to revert some of the damage.
It's safe to say that your first day smoke-free is certainly your first victory against cigarettes.
The week ahead in your Stoptober challenge
For those who like sweet and creamy tastes.
It might further surprise you that within the first week of being smoke-free you should begin to notice more effects. After two days of being smoke-free, your body will have flushed all of the carbon monoxide from your body. You might notice a bit of a productive cough during this time as your lungs will be trying to clear out the mucus that has built up.
One thing that you will certainly notice will be an improvement in your sense of taste and smell. Foods you once thought bland and boring may suddenly become rife with taste. Why not see out the end of your first week with a treat and dine out – let those taste buds rediscover your favourite foods.
After three days you might even notice that it feels easier to breathe. This is because your bronchial tubes have begun to relax. You might even notice that you have more energy than before.
Managing your nicotine level to combat withdrawal
One of the key things that stops some smokers from quitting each year, is of course nicotine withdrawal. It’s one of the reasons why the NHS suggests using smoking aids and seeking support options rather than relying on willpower alone.
There is a variety of Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) that are often suggested to smokers including nicotine patches and gum. Vaping is also another route for combatting nicotine withdrawal and is often touted as the best way to quit, due to its likeness to smoking in a much less harmful method.
Common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can include:
These tend to peak during the first week of quitting tobacco, but they are easily managed nowadays and will subside over time. Choosing a method to combat your nicotine cravings is going to be important in keeping on the wagon. This could be a traditional NRT, vaping, or more simple methods such as exercising and reminding yourself that the cravings will pass.
But smoking cessation aids are there to be of aid during these times so if you do find yourself struggling with willpower alone, there are options available to you.
Extra help for you on your quit smoking journey
For those that need a little extra help, there is no shame. Every person is different and every person’s battle with smoking addiction is a challenge. Making sure you have all you need and the support you need can make a big difference.
The NHS offer many helpful apps to guide you through quitting smoking, including a personal quit plan which you can tailor to your needs. You can even speak with your GP about quitting smoking.
If you haven’t already, create a plan of what you’re going to do for the month of October, and have a plan for if you get tempted to smoke. And importantly, you don’t have to do it alone. There are support groups available both in person and online or simply talking to friends and family about it can be enough to help you keep to the challenge.
Pod Salt is an avid advocate for helping smokers make the switch to help improve their lives. Follow our blog for more Stoptober content over the month, and keep posted throughout the year for articles on all things vaping.
