Staying on course

As you adjust to life without nicotine, you should notice your sense of smell returning. Some people notice that they cough more. Cigarette smoke suppresses coughing and paralyses the tiny hairs that normally keep lungs clear of mucus. You may cough more when you stop smoking because your lungs are recovering.

Others notice that the ‘smoker’s cough’ becomes less within days of quitting. After a month or two, you will have adjusted to life without nicotine. If you are tempted at this point, you will not enjoy smoking, just as if you had never smoked.You will only be tempted if you still regard yourself as an ex-smoker rather than a non-smoker.

The early mood swings and physical effects you experience on quitting will only be temporary as you adjust to becoming a non-smoker. The health and financial benefits of quitting will be permanent if you remain a non-smoker.