I am so happy with myself.

Posted on September 15, 2008 by skrambled

So yesterday marked 28 days as a non smoker. And I am very impressed with myself. I must say that it has not been as difficult as it has been for me in the past. I think this is due to the fact that I really really wanted to stop.

My husband stopped about five months ago and originally I was supposed to quit with him. He was not very impressed when I fell of the bus!!!!! His answer was “well you carry on I am stopping” ……..and he did. Over the following months I got more and more tired of my habit. I hardly smoked during the day. And gradually smoked less and less. The I tried quitting every month, but I would last four days at the most and then start again. But the idea was there……I was not enjoying this anymore and realised that I was simply a slave to nicotine!

Then I got the flu, and this was actually the best thing that could have happened. It got me past that first week, and from there I made the decision. No more.

I feel good! And the great thing is I have been inspired to exercise and eat right as well. I haven’t mastered the exercise and eating, but give me a chance. Let me put the nail in the coffin of the smoking first. Hubby and I have been walking about twice a week and have completely cut out alcohol during the week.

So let’s have a look at the benefits…………

In 20 minutes your blood pressure will drop back down to normal.
In 8 hours the carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your blood stream will drop by half, and oxygen levels will return to normal.
In 48 hours your chance of having a heart attack will have decreased. All nicotine will have left your body. Your sense of taste and smell will return to a normal level.
In 72 hours your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase.
In 2 weeks your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks.
In three to nine months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%.
In 1 year your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half.
In 5 years your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker.
In 10 years your risk of lung cancer will have returned to that of a non-smoker.
In 15 years your risk of heart attack will have returned to that of a non-smoker.