What Happens When You Quit Smoking And Start Vaping

What Happens When You Quit Smoking Timeline

Within the first few days

After 20 Minutes: 

• Your heart rate and blood pressure drop to normal levels.
• Circulation begins to improve almost instantly.

After 8 Hours:

• Carbon monoxide levels in your blood fall.
• Oxygen levels begin to rise, helping your body function better.

After 48 Hours:

• Carbon monoxide is cleared from your system.
• Your sense of taste and smell start to come back.
• Nicotine levels drop significantly.

Within the First Week

After 72 Hours

• Breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes relax.
• Energy levels begin to rise.

After 1 Week

• Your circulation improves even more.
• Lung function continues to increase.

Within the first few months

After 2 - 12 Weeks

• Physical activity becomes easier.
• Your lungs continue to repair.
• Blood circulation keeps improving.

After 3 - 9 Months

• Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
• Cilia in your lungs regenerate, reducing infections.

After 1 Year

After 1 Year: Your risk of heart disease drops by 50% compared to when you smoked.

Long term Benefits

Within 2 - 5 Years

• Risk of stroke drops to that of a non-smoker.
• Risk of cancers like mouth, throat, and bladder reduces.

Within 5 Years 

• Arteries and blood vessels begin to heal.
• Risk of heart disease and stroke continues to lower.

After 10 Years

• Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a current smoker.
• Risk of pancreatic and throat cancers also drops.

When You Quit Smoking What Happens To Your Body

Your body starts repairing itself almost immediately. Damaged tissues begin to heal, your immune system strengthens, and your lungs function better. The longer you stay smoke-free, the more your risk of disease. However, as you have just started, quitting smoking affects both your body and your mind. Here are some common symptoms:

Cravings

You may experience strong urges to smoke, especially in the first few days. These cravings often come and go in waves and are usually triggered by habits or routines linked to smoking. While intense at first, cravings usually weaken after a week and continue to reduce over time. Learning to identify and avoid triggers can help. Many people choose to quit cigarettes gradually by switching to vaping, as vaping allows you to relieve the cravings under control. 

Mood Changes and Emotional Effects

Nicotine affects brain chemicals linked to mood. When you quit, it’s normal to feel more irritable, anxious, or even down for a while. You might also feel emotionally sensitive or easily frustrated. These changes are temporary and part of your brain adjusting to life without nicotine.

Having Trouble Concentrating or Sleeping

Many people report difficulty focusing or falling asleep after quitting. This is partly due to nicotine withdrawal, which disrupts your brain’s routine. Sleep tends to improve after a couple of weeks as your body adjusts.

Feeling Restless

You might feel on edge or fidgety, especially during moments where you’d usually smoke. Physical activity, breathing exercises, or even squeezing a stress ball can help release this nervous energy.

Weight Gain

Quitting smoking may increase your appetite or lead to eating more often as a way to cope with cravings. While not everyone gains weight, it’s common to put on a few pounds. Choosing healthy snacks and staying active can help keep your weight in check.

Other Effects

You may develop a cough as your lungs begin to clear out mucus and toxins. Headaches, dizziness, and digestive changes like constipation can also occur but usually improve within a few weeks.

The Benefits of Giving Up Cigarettes

Financial Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Smoking is costly. If you smoked a pack a day, quitting could save you over £3,500 per year. That’s money you can redirect toward holidays, personal goals, family activities, or savings. Even cutting down saves hundreds over time, but quitting altogether brings the biggest financial boost. Read our blog on How Much Do Vapes Cost to understand the expenses of vaping compared to cigarettes. 

Mental Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking isn’t just good for your body—it can also improve your mental well-being. Many people report feeling calmer, happier, and more in control after they quit. Studies show that quitting smoking is linked to reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over the long term.

You may also feel proud of yourself for taking a big step toward better health. This boost in confidence can have a positive effect on your relationships and daily life.

Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Cope With Them

Withdrawal is tough, but it’s manageable. Symptoms peak around 2–3 days and start fading after the first week.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

• Cravings for cigarettes

• Irritability or mood swings

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating

• Restlessness or anxiety

• Headaches

• Increased appetite

Tips to Cope

• Use nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, lozenges).
• Distract yourself with a walk, call a friend, or chew gum.
• Drink water, eat healthy foods, and stay active.
• Use support services like the NHS Quit Smoking app or local stop smoking services.

What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking and Start Vaping?

Some people use vaping to help quit smoking. While not risk-free, vaping is considered far less harmful than smoking cigarettes.

Benefits of Vaping vs Smoking

• Vaping avoids tar and carbon monoxide—two of the most harmful parts of tobacco smoke.
• You can control the nicotine level with e liquids from 0mg to 20mg to gradually reduce your dependence.
• Vaping allows you to maintain some of the familiar hand-to-mouth actions and routines that cigarettes provide.
• Vaping also eliminates the lingering smell of smoke on clothes, hair, and breath—an added bonus for both users and those around them.

Is Vaping a Good Long-Term Option?

It can certainly be an effective tool to help you quit smoking. For many, it serves as a stepping stone toward complete nicotine independence. However, it’s best to treat vaping as a transition rather than a permanent solution. Over time, you may wish to gradually reduce your nicotine level and eventually stop vaping altogether.

To get the most out of your switch, always use high-quality, regulated products from trusted brands. Whether you prefer refillable vape kits, pods, or disposables, our store offers a wide selection to support every stage of your quit journey. If you’re unsure where to start, browse our best-sellers or contact our support team for expert guidance.

Taking the step to quit smoking and start vaping is a positive move—both for your health and your future. Let vaping be the bridge to a smoke-free life.

Quit Smoking Vape Deals

Vape Kits for Quitting Smoking

At WizVape, we’re here to support your smoke-free journey with unbeatable Quit Smoking Vape Deals. When you buy any vape kit from us, you’ll receive free e-liquid—the perfect way to get started without the extra cost. Whether you're new to vaping or switching from cigarettes, our bundles are designed to make your transition as smooth as possible. 

E Liquids for Quitting Smoking

Looking for more savings? We also offer regular discounts on everything you need to keep going strong: from 5 for £11 nic salts and vape juice to coils such as Aspire Pockex coils, pods, and disposable vapes. Our deals are updated frequently, so be sure to check our site often and take advantage of the best prices on your favourite vape products.

Conclusion

So, what happens when you quit smoking? Your body begins to heal, your mind feels clearer, and your bank balance grows. Whether you go cold turkey or use vaping to transition, every step toward quitting brings huge rewards. Don’t wait—start your smoke-free journey today.