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Reasons to quit smoking

There are lots of good reasons to stop smoking.

Smoking is bad for you. 1 in 2 smokers will die of a tobacco-related disease.

Finding your own reasons to quit can keep you motivated when you stop smoking.

Health reasons

The health benefits of quitting start immediately.

You can improve your:

  • breathing
  • heart rate and blood pressure
  • levels of anxiety
  • energy levels
  • dental health

Health benefits of stopping smoking

Improve your quality of life

You will be amazed at the freedom you feel when you quit.

When you stop smoking, you:

  • save time and energy - you do not have to think about when and where you can smoke
  • can improve your activity levels
  • reduce worries about your future health
  • improve the air quality in your home or car

Think about how quitting could improve your daily life. For example, being able to do activities without getting out of breath.

Improve or protect your appearance

Quitting smoking improves your:

  • skin
  • hair
  • nails
  • teeth
  • breath

Your clothes and hair also stop smelling of smoke.

To save money

Quitting can help you:

  • spend less money
  • reduce money worries in a small way
  • save money to buy something meaningful to you

You can keep track of what you save if you create a quit plan.

Quitting for someone else

Smoking can affect other people in your life.

When you stop smoking, you:

This can motivate many people to quit.

Other people may also ask you to quit. But it's good to find your own reasons.

If someone asks you to quit, you could:

  • think about what you like or dislike about smoking
  • think about how quitting could benefit you
  • tell them if you have any worries about quitting
  • ask for specific support
  • ask them to understand if you do not feel ready to quit

Page last reviewed: 7 January 2026
Next review due: 7 January 2029