In struggling against a smoking habit, it is imperative to take into account the benefits of a smoke free life – life, for example, better health for you and for those you love, brighter and whiter teeth, the absence cigarette stench on your clothes and body, and others. However, it is likewise important for you to know what t exactly you’ll be dealing with. There are numerous hurdles that you have to overcome to be able to kick the habit. The majority of such hurdles may originate from outside factors, but most obstacles come from inside the body in the form of smoking cessation side effects.
A key to defeating your smoking habit is to be aware of what you will experience. Knowing what you will face is the most ideal way to ready yourself for the adverse effects of quitting. Not knowing what will happen may impede you and sidetrack you from quitting. Though the repercussions of discontinuing smoking may be highly unpleasant, remember that these are often passing and can be dealt with.
Physical and Psychological Repercussions of Giving Up Smoking
The effects of stopping smoking can be classified as physical and psychological. The first two weeks are the toughest, with symptoms exacerbating in 48-72 hours after quitting smoking. These side effects may completely diminish within twelve weeks, and only then can you feel entirely comfortable once more.
Psychological Side Effects
The earliest psychological impact of quitting smoking comprises irritability and/or anxiety, as well as an extreme desire to smoke once more. With the passing of time, you will experience tingling and tremors your hands and feet, and also severe perspiration. Soon, you can experience acute depression that occurs as a result of nicotine withdrawal. This early stage of depression will likely come in the form of grief, such that you feel that you suffer from the loss of something important. The best response is to just endure this sensation of sadness, remembering that this is just a regular stage in your body’s healing process. Permit yourself to deal with this grief and wait for the feeling to pass. Other than depression, you may also suffer from confusion, moon swings, insomnia, as well as emotions similar to vulnerability, helplessness, and neediness.
This initial depression may likely develop to permanent depression, in particular in cases where the individual involved has a related predisposition.
Physical Side Effects
The physical symptoms of smoking cessation involve gastrointestinal problems such as intestinal cramps, headaches, constipation, and nausea. You can also suffer from various respiratory illnesses like intermittent colds since both lungs are beginning to clear.
Moreover, most individuals have been reported to gain some weight after discontinuing to smoke, but this may not be true for all. If the figure of your body is an important concern, you are recommended to exercise to compensate.
Knowing the potential repercussions of quitting smoking can prepare you for these symptoms as they manifest. Bear in mind that the stop smoking side effects can often end within a few short weeks. The only long-term repercussion of quitting is a positive one, that of a great improvement in your wellbeing and health.