Giving up smoking is one of the toughest things you'll ever do. But it's also one of the most rewarding.

Let’s be realistic - you might have a tough time the first few weeks. You might experience very strong cravings along with withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, loss of concentration and hunger, as well as an unpleasant cough while your body rids itself of the toxins in your lungs. But within just a few hours of giving up smoking, your health will begin to improve - and your wallet will stretch further too.

You'll look better when you quit smoking

Every puff on a cigarette puts 4,000 different chemicals into your body, but once you've stopped your skin should start to look brighter and younger than if you had continued to smoke. That’s because the levels of oxygen in your body will return to normal and your circulation will improve. You'll slow the formation of wrinkles around your mouth and eyes, and your eyes themselves will probably look brighter. The staining on your teeth and fingers will stop and your breath, hair, clothes and home will all smell better.

You'll feel better when you quit smoking

You'll soon start to reap the rewards. Food will taste better. Smells will be more intense. You'll have more energy and you'll breathe more easily.

Once you’ve had your last cigarette…

You’ll be amazed how quickly you see the difference:

• After 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse should return to normal. Circulation improves, especially to hands and feet.
• After 8 hours, blood oxygen levels increase to normal and your chances of having a heart attack start to fall.
• After 24 hours, carbon monoxide leaves the body. The lungs start to clear out mucus and debris.
• After 48 hours, your body is now nicotine-free. Your senses of taste and smell begin to improve.
• After 3 days, breathing is easier and your energy levels increase.
• 2-12 weeks, circulation improves throughout the body. Walking and exercise get easier.
• 3-9 months, breathing problems, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing improve. Lung efficiency will have increased by 5-10%.
• After 5 years, risk of having a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
• After 10 years, risk of lung cancer falls to around half that of a smoker. Risk of a heart attack falls to about the same as someone who has never smoked.

This article is courtesy of NiQUITin