Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer and heart conditions across the world. Even after knowing about the adverse effects smoking has on the health, many continue to smoke and find it difficult to quit. Giving up smoking cannot happen overnight—it can be a rather hard process.

Regular smokers usually find it extremely difficult to give up the habit of smoking. This is mainly because of nicotine, which releases hormones that make one feel happy and stimulated. It is found in tobacco, which most cigarettes are made of. However, good feelings generated by this ingredient are temporary and have damaging effects in the long run. Not to mention, individuals who smoke also find it difficult to break the habit, as it becomes a part of their daily routine. They may find themselves reaching for a cigarette on their way to work or after breakfast, without a second thought. So, if you’ve been struggling to quit or thinking of doing so but haven’t been able to, then here is a list of seven reasons that might convince you to go ahead and actually do it:

The benefits of quitting smoking

There are a lot of health benefits that come with quitting smoking. Here are a few of them:

• Better and clear thinking

Nicotine has an intense effect on the mind of an individual. Quitting smoking can quite literally rewire the brain. This is because the nicotine receptors in the brain will go back to their normal levels within a period of giving up nicotine.

• Improved hearing

Smoking slowly wreaks havoc in the body. It can also seriously affect the hearing capabilities of a person. According to a study, smokers are at a greater risk of hearing loss than non-smokers. Quitting smoking can help prevent this risk.

• Reduced risk of oral cancer

Smoking over a prolonged period of time increases the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, throat, and larynx. People who quit smoking, hence, can significantly reduce the risk of being affected by oral cancer.

• Better skin

Another benefit of kicking the butt is that it promotes clear and better skin. Quitting smoking means better blood flow, which, in turn, fetches the skin more oxygen and essential nutrients, thereby making it healthier.

• Improved heart function

Smoking is one of the major reasons behind a range of heart conditions. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cardiac diseases and regulates imbalanced blood pressure and heart rate.

• Enhanced breathing

Eliminating smoking from your daily routine will instantly improve your ability to breathe. Within some time after having quit, you may even notice positive changes in your breathing patterns in the smallest of activities, such as walking up the stairs or going for a run.

• Better immunity

Smoking takes a toll on the immune system as well. But, quitting can help it regain its lost strength. You are less likely to fall sick once you strengthen your immune system. Not only that, but the increase in oxygen supply also fills the body with more energy.