the best way to quit smoking cigarettes Ask Our Experts: Helpful Tips How to Quit Smoking: Step-by-Step

Exercise increases endorphin levels in the brain, which can help reduce nicotine withdrawal and cravings

Counseling Often needed for help to quit smoking, counselors can address the behavioral aspects of smoking and identify and overcome potential roadblocks to successful smoking cessation

Prepare for your quit day by planning how to deal with cravings and urges

20 Minutes Blood pressure, pulse rate and body temperature all drop to normal levels 8 Hours Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal Oxygen level in blood increases to normal "Smoker's breath" disappears 24 Hours Chances of a heart attack decreases 48 Hours Nerve endings start to regrow Within 3 Months Circulation improves Walking becomes easier Lung capacity increases and lung function improves Within 9 Months Coughing, sinus congestion, tiredness and shortness of breath decrease 1 Year Excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker 5 Years From 5-15 years after quitting, stroke risk is reduced to that of people who never smoked Risk at developing mouth, throat, esophageal cancer is half that of a smoker 10 Years Risk of cancer drops to as little as one-half that of continuing smokers Risk of ulcer decreases Lung cancer death rate similar to nonsmoker 15 Years Risk of coronary heart disease and death returns to nearly same level of people who never smoked Congratulations for taking steps to improve your health

Nicotine is extremely addictive The main reason why it is so difficult to quit smoking is that nicotine is physically addictive