What your future might look like when you quit smoking

Some people can feel unsure about whether they want to stop smoking.

One way of helping you to decide is to imagine two futures for yourself. One future where you decide to quit smoking now, and the other where you continue smoking.

Take a few minutes to try the steps below to help you do this.

Think about the following questions

You might want to take a pen and paper and note down your answers.

Question 1

Imagine that you have successfully quit smoking. Think about yourself in 5 years' time:

• What might some of the changes be to:
  • Your physical health and emotional wellbeing
  • Your lifestyle
• What would you think about yourself as a non-smoker?

Some possible changes to your life from stopping smoking

Scientific research has shown that those who stop smoking are more likely to:

• Have improved health. You'll have more energy, an improved mood, better well-being and feel happier.
• Be better able to breathe and have better oral health, such as fresher breath.
• Have an improved sex life
• Be at less risk of smoking-related diseases and cut the risk of passive smoking related diseases for family and friends.
• Save money by not spending it on tobacco
• Have a greater sense of pride in doing something positive for your health. It may inspire others to quit too.

Learn more about the possible benefits you might notice from stopping smoking.

Question 2

Imagine now that you haven't quit smoking. Think about yourself in 5 years' time:

• What might some of the changes be to:
  • Your physical health and emotional wellbeing
  • Your lifestyle
• What would you think about yourself still being a smoker?

Some possible changes to your life from continuing to smoke

Scientific research has shown that those who continue to smoke are more likely to:

• Have poorer mental and physical health. There's an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
• Have less energy, an aged appearance and difficulty breathing
• Be at a greater risk of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke and certain cancers. You can also have poor dental health and hygiene.
• See an increased risk to family and friends of having passive smoking related diseases
• Have less money to spend on other things you and your family enjoy
• Potentially set an unhealthy role model for children, family or friends

What's next

You'll hopefully now see some of the key ways your life might improve with quitting smoking and why you should plan to quit.

If you're ready, you might find it helpful to learn about treatments to help you stop smoking.