Quitting smoking makes you happier, says study

Moderate or heavy smokers who quit tobacco get a boost in mental wellbeing that, for people who are anxious or stressed, is equivalent to taking anti-depressants, a study said Thursday. British researchers examined 26 published investigations into the mental health of smokers. They were questioned before they tried to give up smoking and again after their attempt — an average of six months later. "The effect sizes are equal or larger than those of anti-depressant treatment for mood and anxiety disorders," said the study, published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ).