The human body is an amazing thing. Just 20 minutes after that last cigarette it begins to recover.
Nicotine, the addictive chemical in smoking, acts as a stimulant and gives that all-important ‘kick’.
Not long after the last puff of smoke, heart rate and blood pressure return to normal following this high.
Eight hours
This is the testing time when most smokers reach for another cigarette.
The effects of withdrawal are strong as nicotine leaves the bloodstream and cravings start to happen.
One day
Anxiety and ‘stress’ levels peak. The feeling of stress associated with quitting smoking isn’t usually stress – it’s a sign of withdrawal.
That’s why it’s untrue that smoking de-stresses, it’s just feeding a craving.