Many of these bad habits can be classed as anti-social but we continue, as a society, to pass them off as part of the human condition. We ease our conscience by convincing ourselves that our bad habits aren't hurting anyone else even though we know that to be untrue. At various times we all have some bad habits and should make more of an effort to stop rather than ignore them.



Smoking is an addiction that is not only dangerous to your health, but just as hazardous to everyone around you. Don't kid yourself... smoking is a drug addiction!

Whatever money you spend on smoking is no different to the money wasted on drinking or gambling, it denies you and your family some of the better things in life. What you're spending on tobacco products such as cigars, cigarettes etc is nothing less than bad money management.

Most people who smoke are procrastinators - how often have you said to yourself I'll give up soon/next week/next month? Why do you put up with the nagging of your friends and family and continue with something you know is bad for you? Excuses like anger and overeating are just that... excuses as these are not necessary side effects of quitting; they are just another bad habit some people develop to replace the one they felt they "gave up".

Enough of my lecturing lets look at some of the advantages of choosing to stop smoking (think of it as choosing to act not as "giving something up"!). As I said before, one big change will be in your wallet. You will have more money to spend on things you need or want - the money will be in your pocket not in the pockets of the tobacco companies or the government.

Now to the benefits to your health. Did you know that within 20 minutes your heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure return to a normal range!

It only takes 8 hours for the carbon monoxide levels in your blood to fall back to normal and your breath to start to lose the tobacco smell. Two months after stopping, your lungs and circulation are cleaner and work more efficiently, giving you more energy and no more smoker's cough.

After 12 months the odds of a heart attack will have halved and the possibility of contracting cancer will be dramatically reduced. In 10 years you're in the same category as someone who has never smoked at all for heart attack or stroke!

You're no longer made to go out in the freezing cold or blistering heat just to satisfy your habit. You can remain inside with your family, friends or work colleagues who don't smoke and be admired for your decision to stop smoking.

You will also be a positive role model for your children and grandchildren. We all know that children copy what they see. Do you want your children or grandchildren copying your bad habit or emulating your new healthy smoke free lifestyle?