If you want to stop smoking, there’s no time like the present. Having a positive attitude towards doing so is the first step to reducing the temptation to light up. We know that quitting for good is one of the hardest resolutions or promises we make to ourselves, so we’re here to give you a helping hand towards a smoke-free future.

Reasons to quit

What are the benefits of stopping smoking? Well, we’re glad you asked. Listed below are just a handful of changes you can expect to see when you quit for good, some of which take less than 24 hours to kick in. Our bodies have the amazing ability to heal themselves, and it’s never too late to stop smoking and start living healthier.

Lung capacity

Quitting smoking increases your lung capacity as a bigger volume of oxygen is reaching the bloodstream. When you quit, carbon monoxide is eliminated from your body and your lungs start to repair the damage caused by it.

Energy

Once you quit, your blood circulation improves. In as little as 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate returns to normal.

Fertility

When you stop smoking your chances of having a healthy pregnancy are increased, so too is your fertility. In women, the lining of the womb improves, and in men, the count and quality of sperm improve.

Skin

Smoking increases the normal ageing process of your skin. When you quit, the skin receives more nutrients like oxygen, reducing the appearances of wrinkles, 'smoker’s lines' (vertical lines around the mouth) and 'crow’s feet' which appear around the outer edges of your eyes.

Teeth

Whiter teeth are on the horizon when you quit, as giving up tobacco will help stop teeth being tinged yellow. You’re less likely to develop gum disease, too.

Lifespan

It’s never too late to benefit from quitting altogether and going smoke-free will not only add years onto your life, but also greatly improve your chances of living without a limiting disease.

Sex

Blood flow is improved when you stub it out, which leads to better erections for men and orgasms for women.

Smell and taste

Quitting boosts your sense of smell and taste, as your mouth and nose recover from being damaged by toxic chemicals in cigarettes.

Loved ones

Breathing in second-hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, stroke and heart disease. When you give up smoking, your family and friends feel the benefit of you quitting too.

Mental health

Cutting out cigarettes can improve aspects of your mental health including your mood. Anxiety levels in those who suffer are reduced when you quit, and stress levels are lowered too.

Smoking & COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Coronavirus is a viral respiratory infection, meaning it affects the lungs and airways. If you smoke, you may have an increased risk of contracting viral infections like coronavirus because the infection is spread easily from your hands to your face. When you smoke, your hands are in regular contact with your mouth which can increase the chance of the virus entering your body – so it’s super important to wash your hands with soap regularly.

How does smoking affect coronavirus symptoms?

Smoking may increase the severity of coronavirus symptoms because parts of your body like your lungs could already be damaged. Smoking also affects your immune system (the bit that helps to keep you healthy) which reduces your ability to fight off and recover from a viral infection like coronavirus. Recovery from a respiratory illness may take longer for a smoker compared to a non-smoker, too. 

We know how hard it can be to quit, especially when you’re experiencing more stress and worry because of the pandemic. But stopping smoking at any point in your life is one of the best things you can do for your health.

What help is available? 

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and the benefits start almost immediately. If you’re looking to stop smoking, we have the advice and the alternatives to help you quit. Online or in store, we stock a wide range of products which can help you to cut down or stop smoking, and our trained pharmacy teams are here to support you with expert advice.

Boots Stop Smoking Online Clinic

The Boots Stop Smoking Online Clinic provides access to prescription-only medication to help you stop smoking, without the need to visit your GP. You’ll just need to complete an online consultation where you’ll be asked a series of questions. A clinician will review your answers and check that treatment is suitable for you.*

NHS Stop Smoking Services

Did you know you’re four times more likely to stop smoking with support? NHS Stop Smoking Services can be found in various locations throughout the UK, including selected Boots pharmacies. The service is there to give you a structured approach and support on stopping smoking, along with advice and supply of stop smoking medicines.** Your Boots pharmacy team can advise you where your nearest NHS Stop Smoking service is based. You can also download the free NHS Smokefree app to access a four-week programme that gives practical support, encouragement and tailored advice.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

We’ve got a wide range of nicotine replacement therapies which can help you to cut down or stop smoking. Did you know you can double your chances of stopping smoking by using NRT? Speak to our pharmacy team in store to find the right product for your needs, or find out more about NRT.

*Subject to stock availability & clinician approval. Charges apply

**Charges may apply