Smoking is often associated with certain beliefs, usually resulting from frequent indulgence in the habit. These beliefs include that smoking helps one to relax, provides an activity for idle hands and aids digestion after a meal. Certain beliefs related to smoking might remain unchallenged in our conscious mind, causing us to keep lighting up. Hypnotherapy can be effective in such cases, as it addresses the underlying thought patterns and works at a deeper level.

A common belief among smokers is that smoking won’t be that damaging if their Uncle Bob managed to smoke 50 cigarettes a day since the age of 13 and live until 90. Unfortunately, this isn’t true – the harmful effects of cigarettes cannot be overlooked.

Even though the long-term dangers of smoking, like COPD and Lung Cancer, are clear, the primary motivation to quit should really be about prolonging life. However, it is important to remember that smoking can affect your health in many different ways – not just mortality.

If you need more motivation than just mortality – here are some other great incentives:

For your body

Cigarettes contain multiple hazardous substances – 30 different chemicals, to be exact – that can cause cancer. What’s more, they can lead to poor circulation and cold extremities.

The Death rates

Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, where an average of 14 people pass away every hour due to smoking-related ailments. This number is six times greater than the combined deaths due to car accidents, murder, manslaughter, poisonings and HIV. The British Medical Association (BMA) states that 16% of all deaths are related to smoking.

For your Lungs

Smoking is significantly linked to lung cancer, and moreover, it can also cause and worsen asthma.

For your Heart

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (COPD). Approximately 20% of smokers suffer from COPD and it results in 26,000 deaths annually, usually through a protracted and agonizing process.

For Reproduction

Smoking has long-term effects on fertility. It can not only harm the smoker but could also be passed down to their children. Prolonged smoking can lead to impotence and erectile dysfunction in men. According to the British Medical Association, it’s estimated that 120,000 are experiencing male infertility due to smoking. It has been found that smoking not only decreases sperm count and mobility but also leads to impotence in men.

For your ego

Smoking can cause a decrease in blood circulation, resulting in a pale and ‘grey’ look. Additionally, the toxic chemicals present in cigarettes harm blood vitamins A and C that are essential for good skin health. Smoking can lead to several eye-related issues such as bloodshot eyes, early wrinkles near the eyes and lips, and decreased circulation which can cause damaged gums. This can lead to us losing our teeth at a much younger age than we would without smoking.

For your Mind

Smoking has been associated with various mental health issues like anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, panic disorder and dementia.

Quitting smoking can be made easier with hypnotherapy – a powerful and positive two-hour session that provides fast results.