When we quit smoking, most of us expect our health to improve, but the benefits of smoking cessation go far beyond what we can imagine.
The articles in this section will give you a view into the many ways -- some of them unexpected -- that quitting tobacco improves our lives. Several come from the personal accounts of those who have walked the path and have insights to share.
Settle in with a cup of tea and soak up some motivation.
1. After the Last Cigarette
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The benefits of smoking cessation literally begin within 20 minutes of the last cigarette smoked, and continue on for years. Let's take a look at what happens physically when we quit smoking.
2. The Benefits of Smoking Cessation
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This compilation of improvements comes from members of the support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation.
3. Improvements Since Quitting - Reader Feedback
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With hundreds of responses to date, this interactive section of About.com Smoking Cessation allows readers to share the benefits they've noticed during smoking cessation.
Settle in with a cup of tea and do some reading. You'll come away motivated to quit smoking or stay the course if you've already stubbed out that last cigarette.
4. Giving Thanks
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Here in the U.S., Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we're grateful for. If you're quitting smoking, gratitude takes on a whole new meaning, as the following compilations from About.com Smoking Cessation forum members illustrate.Please add your gratitude list here:
5. The First Three Months - Marah's Story
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In this account, Marah details the changes she went through during the first three months of smoking cessation, week-by-week.
6. My List of Benefits at 6 Months - EB's Story
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The changes we go through during the first months of smoking cessation surprise most ex-smokers because they encompass so much more than improved health.
In this account, About.com Smoking Cessation forum member EB detailed some of the benefits she'd experienced during her first six smoke-free months.
7. The Pros and Cons of Smoking - Zoe's Story
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In this account, Zoe lists out the positives of her smoking habit versus the negatives. As you might imagine, the list is lop-sided and points out benefits of leaving smoking behind. Put your own list together -- it will help you keep your priorities in perspective when you have a tough day.
8. The Benefits at One Year Smoke-Free -- Larry's Story
Larry
At a year smoke-free, Larry shares the 10 biggest improvements cessation has brought to his life.
9. Gratitude and Empowerment at Two Years Smoke-Free - Pancake's Story
Pancake
Empowerment is one of the hidden benefits of smoking cessation. Overcoming nicotine addiction builds confidence and empowers us to makes other beneficial changes in our lives. Pancake's account describes this process beautifully.
10. I Love My Freedom - Dee's Story
Dee
At 18 months smoke-free, Dee shared this powerful account about what smoking cessation has taught her about the priorities in her life.
More from Dee:
11. The First Three Smoke-Free Years - Sally's Story
Sally
Sally's story offers an in-depth look at the transformation long-term smoking cessation brings to our lives. Spanning three years, Sally shares the milestones she accomplished along the way.
More from Sally:
