Looking for motivation to stay off the ciggies? New research has found that each cigarette takes 20 minutes off a smoker’s life.
This means that those who quit the habit could live 50 days longer after a year of not smoking. And if you give up now, you could add years to your life — along with quickly feeling more healthy.
The new study, from University College London, claims that smoking is more harmful than was previously understood.
It says that each cigarette smoked steals 20 minutes from our life expectancy — adding up to almost seven hours for a single pack of 20.
So, if you gave up on New Year’s Day, you will already have a week of your life back by February 20.
You have to quit
The researchers warn that this only applies to people who quit completely, so just cutting down will not bring the same level of benefit.
But the good news is that quitting does not just mean you will live longer. You will also start to feel better almost straight away.
Your taste and smell will improve, you will start to breathe more easily, and you will have more energy.
Physical activity will soon start to feel easier, and respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing will clear up too.
How we can help
We understand that, even with motivation like this, it is still no easy task to kick the habit.
But previous research has shown that people who join stop-smoking programmes like ours are three times more likely to succeed in quitting.
And NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, agrees.
She said: “I often see patients attempting to quit smoking with no support, but going cold turkey can be tough.
“Quitting smoking is easier when you have a plan and the right support – you don’t have to do it alone.”
We can offer up to 12 weeks of FREE, personally tailored support — to help you quit for good.
Sign up now and start your journey to a healthier, smoke-free future.
