The article discusses when it's appropriate to quit a goal, emphasizing that quitting isn't always negative and can lead to better opportunities, with insights from psychologists and experts on recognizing the right time to walk away.
Zosia Mamet recounts her challenging experience on a major TV show, including a traumatic impromptu haircut and a hostile encounter with the showrunner, which led her to quit the series. Despite the setbacks, she reflects on the show's success and her growth from the experience.
Grammy Award-winning singer Lizzo announced on Instagram that she is quitting due to facing online criticism and ridicule, expressing feeling tired of being dragged by everyone in her life and on the internet. The post garnered messages of support from celebrities and fans, with many urging her to prioritize her well-being and reminding her that the internet isn't real life. Lizzo, known for her empowering music and outspoken advocacy for body positivity, has faced ongoing scrutiny and disrespect, leading to her decision to step away from the spotlight.
A new study published in the journal Addiction found that both starting smoking and lifetime smoking are associated with an increase in dangerous abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat, which is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic conditions. The study suggests the need for large-scale efforts to prevent and reduce smoking, and while it's not definitive whether stopping smoking can reverse the development of abdominal fat, public health interventions should continue to emphasize the overall health improvements associated with smoking cessation. Quitting smoking is famously hard, but support programs and finding new ways of coping with stress, such as exercise, can be helpful in the journey to quit.
Quitting can be a superpower for mental health, allowing individuals to pivot and move forward in a healthier direction. Recognizing when to quit is crucial, and symptoms such as anxiety, burnout, and depression can signal the need for change. Smart quitting involves setting a quit date, planning for the future, and understanding that quitting doesn't have to be permanent. By approaching quitting thoughtfully, individuals can make decisions that benefit their mental well-being.
A study published in the journal Nature suggests that the damage to the immune system caused by smoking can persist for years after quitting, affecting the body's ability to fight infections and potentially contributing to chronic inflammatory diseases. Researchers found that smoking, along with factors such as high body mass index and previous infection with cytomegalovirus, can impact immune response. The study emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking for long-term immunity and overall health.
A new study from the Institut Pasteur in Paris reveals that smoking has a lasting impact on the immune system, even after quitting. The research found that smoking alters the body's immune response, leading to increased inflammation and changes in the adaptive immune system. These effects persist for years after quitting, potentially due to epigenetic changes. The study suggests that smoking may add years to a person's immunological age and could have implications for vaccine delivery. However, the good news is that the impact of smoking on the immune response seems to fade with time, emphasizing the importance of quitting smoking for overall health.
A new analysis from researchers in Canada and Norway reveals that quitting smoking at any age can significantly increase life expectancy, with those who quit for a decade potentially living nearly as long as someone who has never smoked. The study, which tracked the health of 1.5 million adults over 15 years, found that quitting smoking can rapidly reduce the risk of death from smoking-related diseases, such as stroke, cardiac arrest, and cancer. The findings emphasize that it's never too late to quit smoking and reap the health benefits, with significant improvements in life expectancy and reduced risks across major diseases.
A study from Korea suggests that quitting smoking before the age of 50 reduces the risk of lung cancer by 57% compared to quitting later in life. Researchers studied over 2.9 million people and found that quitting smoking lowered the risk of all types of cancer by 17%. However, there was an initial increase in cancer risk for approximately seven years after quitting, possibly due to accumulated damage from smoking. Lung cancer risk decreased three years earlier than other cancers, and quitting before age 50 was associated with a 57% reduction in lung cancer risk. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and is linked to at least 15 types of cancers.
A major study found that quitting smoking at any age reduces the risk of developing cancer, with the most significant drop in risk occurring after the first decade of quitting. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 3 million Koreans, revealed that the risk of developing lung, liver, stomach, and colorectal cancers decreased significantly in those who quit smoking, particularly if they quit before middle age. The findings emphasize the importance of quitting smoking for overall health, with experts highlighting the benefits of quitting at a younger age and the need for support to help people quit.
Quitting caffeine can lead to various hidden benefits, including improved brain function, better sleep, reduced anxiety, improved cardiovascular health, brighter smile, and less frequent bathroom visits. Caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches and fatigue due to the body's tolerance to caffeine, but gradually reducing caffeine intake can mitigate these side effects.
Slate's "Quit It" series explores the nuanced concept of quitting, from habits to social media, in the context of seeking balance rather than complete cessation. The series includes essays that discuss the benefits of stepping back from certain aspects of life and the complex nature of quitting. As 2024 unfolds with its intense news cycle and democratic challenges, the series also addresses finding sustainable ways to engage with and disengage from the news.
A study conducted in the UK suggests that working from home during the pandemic may have hindered people from quitting smoking. The rate of decline in smoking rates across England has stagnated, with more young people taking up smoking and a slower decline in the middle classes quitting compared to those who were less affluent. The study also found that smoking prevalence fell by 5.2% per year before the pandemic but slowed to 0.3% per year during the pandemic. Possible reasons for these differences include financial impacts, stress, and poorer mental health experienced by different social groups during the pandemic. The researchers suggest that bold actions, such as increasing investment in mass media campaigns and distributing e-cigarettes, could make a significant difference in reducing smoking rates.
Working from home during the pandemic may have hindered people's efforts to quit smoking, according to researchers from University College London (UCL). The rate of decline in smoking rates across England has slowed, with more young people taking up smoking and a slower decline in the middle classes quitting compared to less affluent individuals. The study suggests that financial impacts and increased stress among less advantaged groups may have made quitting less affordable or a lower priority, while those in more advantaged social grades may have continued smoking due to stress. The researchers emphasize the need for bold policy action to reignite progress in reducing smoking rates and meet the government's target of making England smoke-free by 2030.
A study conducted in England between June 2017 and August 2022 examined the sustained impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking patterns. The study found that the rate of decline in smoking prevalence slowed significantly during the pandemic, particularly among more advantaged social grades. There was a potential increase in smoking prevalence among young adults, indicating a rise in uptake, while there was a decrease among middle-aged adults, suggesting late relapse. However, there were sustained increases in quitting among past-year smokers, with a significant increase in cessation and quit attempts. The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support services to address the impact of the pandemic on smoking behavior.