National No Smoking Day, is a day intended to help smokers who want to quit smoking. The first No Smoking Day was on Ash Wednesday in 1984, and it now takes place on the second Wednesday in March every year in the United Kingdom, this year it will be held on Wednesday 9 March. 

What happens when you quit smoking?  

• After 20 minutes – Check your pulse rate, it will already be starting to return to normal 

• After 8 hours – Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half
• After 48 hours – All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving  
• After 72 hours – If you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also, your energy will be increasing
• After 2 to 12 weeks – Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved  
• After 3 to 9 months – Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases by up to 10% 

• After 1 year – Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s
• After 10 years – Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s

As said by the NHS. 

If you’re looking to quit smoking, then check out our top tips below:  

Top tips on quitting smoking:

• The first step you can take on your quitting journey is by listing reasons why you wish to quit

• Stay busy, you can do this by completing small tasks around the house, going on a walk, or cooking your favourite meal. By doing this you’ll be able to keep your cravings at bay
• If you have tried to quit before, list what went well
• Identify when/where you find yourself craving cigarettes
• Take time to manage your physical and mental health, you can do this by staying busy, as said in the second point but you can also do this by writing down any negative thoughts you have while on your quitting journey
• Create new healthy habits

• Ask your doctor for help

If you’re not ready to quit, then you can still help others by doing the following,  

Stay mindful of others by following experts’ advice on taking at least seven steps from your home to prevent smoke from drifting back into the house, make sure you’re also being considerate of those around by staying clear of any open windows, doorways etc.  

What help is available? 

Daily email support and the NHS Quit Smoking app are two options you could try from the comfort of your home. Daily email support offers you reminders each day for 28 days, full of advice, tips, and encouragement to help you reach your goal. https://quitnow.smokefree.nhs.uk/  

The NHS Quit Smoking app is also a service that allows you to work towards your goal with daily support and motivation. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/#apps-and-tools  

Other options of support can include, stop smoking services, medications and vaping.