Readers Respond: What Do You Like Best About Not Smoking?

Responses: 106

While the list of physical benefits is long, there is an equally important list of psychological gains we'll enjoy once we quit smoking as well...things like improved self-esteem and less tension in our lives.

Simply put, smoking cessation, when truly embraced, cannot help but change us for the better. It touches every facet of our lives in positive ways.

What do you like best about not smoking? Add your list of benefits here.

Share Your Benefits

Not Needing a "Crutch"

I'm on day four and I feel so much better already. I smoked a pack/pack and a half a day for six years. The best thing is not being harassed by my significant other every time I light up, and not feeling self-conscious about smelling bad! My hair and skin are SO improved already, and I can actually smell my cologne...even after I wake up! Amazing!

—dealbreaker

Setting a Good Example

My kids don't have to find me hiding in the garage puffing away. They don't have to put up with the stinky, disgusting smell of smoke on my breath when I kiss them goodnight or goodbye in the mornings before school. They don't feel embarrassed when their friends come over and see their Mom smoking. "Only losers smoke". They don't have to worry about me dying young and of some horrible disease I induced myself by smoking. They don't have to breathe in the secondhand smoke in the car because I can't stand going more then an hour without. They don't have to wait for me to finish a cigarette. They don't have to 'look up to' a junkie or look to one for support. And best of all...I don't have to be the hypocrite who says 'You can't smoke, it's bad for you...etc. blah blah blah...' I have a chance to show them how cool NOT smoking is! And show them how to cope with life and all its crises' without reaching for something beyond ourselves!

—Guest Teri

More Time

I am amazed at the stupid amount of time I have wasted smoking. I have spent more time with my kids since quitting. I don't miss hiding my addiction! I am proud to say I don't smell and have been smoke free for 5 whole days.. It doesn't sound like much to a person who has never been a smoker. I have smoked for all of my adult life and much of my youth. I want to kick this once and for all.

—Guest Robin

Buproprion

Hate to admit it but I could not quit without pharmaceutical help. My cravings and/or willpower weren't up to the task on their own. I started taking buproprion (Zyban) and gave myself about 12 days to quit (not a firm date, even). After three days of the drug, cigarettes just didn't DO anything for me anymore. I got ZERO satisfaction from them... I still smoked some but it was all habit-based, not chemical-dependency-based. On day 10, I had no anxiety going to bed knowing that I had just one cigarette left in my pack. I smoked some of it the next morning but it wasn't pleasant. Not having a drop-dead quit date where I was at war with myself... THAT, perhaps, was a major ingredient here... the drug took care of a lot of things. I took the generic 24-hour extended release version... was covered by my medical plan, too. However, I would have paid full price, out of pocket.

—Guest jaydee

A Few of the Many Benefits

I usually get tired so easily when using the stairs, but not anymore since I quit smoking. My coughing has stopped too. No more phlegm. Walking is a lot easier now and I have saved a lot of money that I used to spend on cigarettes as well.

—nelsonroxas

No More FSC

Thank you for the side seam adhesive in fire safe cigarettes (FSC) now. I found it is a compound used in carpet glue. I knew there were many chemicals in cigs so I refreshed my memory.I said THAT IS IT....this a disgusting thing I am doing to my body. Which only function is to perserve ME... No more going out in 20 degree weather, first thing in the morning with bed head and I think most of my clothes just to get cigarettes. I just had my first full night's sleep in several years. I can take a FULL breath without coughing. I am now soooooooooooo proud of myself for being one of them now...EX-SMOKER...;)

—Guest Cathy

Three Days

I've been smoke free for three days. I come to this site nearly daily when I'm having a symptom. It's been great to be able to read all that you guys have to say. Has helped tremendously. I never want to smoke again. THIS IS IT! Good luck to all!

—Guest Cheryl

Sense of Smell

I thank God for the strength and power to remove the addiction. I am 9 days smoke free. While reading several other responses I have to agree. I can smell so many things that I could not before while smoking. Now when I smell smoke it makes me gag.

—Guest Seven0

More Money, Better Complexion and Health

hi all I would like to share my story. I was a half a packet a day smoker. I'm only on my 4th day without cigarettes. Mind you this is my third attempt to quit this year, but this time I think I'm actually going to beat it. I am using a 24hr patch plus gum, Other things I am doing differently this time is meditating. I find that meditation helps clear your mind of any toxic thoughts -- be it personal or addictions. I've also brought a hypnosis CD which is about beating addictions. I listen to that every night. I can't say it has miraculously cured my addiction, but I do see a noticeable difference in my attitude towards smoking. What I think the best things are about not smoking are: *Not wasting my hard earned cash on smokes. *I feel more confident. *My skin is much more clear. i actually have a pinkish colour to my face, when I was smoking I looked grayish in complexion. **My health has improved so much. **My tinnitus has improved. I can actually hear.

—Guest quit4good

My Last Day of Smoking

Today is it! Again! We all know the trials of quitting only to start again. I am glad I found this site - thanks. The common thread seems to be finally finding the strength and getting to a point where you say: That's it I am done! I can't wait to be able to breathe better while exercising, and get better circulation. I want to be the leader for my children. This time I will focus on my new life of feeling and smelling good! I will try to calm ny nerves with the children by doing breathing exercises or going to a different room. I will do better and I know better! My mom died of heart disease at 44 and my grandmother of cancer in her 40's. I am very scared I am next. I am 32 - that means I have 10 years left! I am not done living, so I will get on with the living. I have two choices - do not quit and die young or live as an unhealthy, coughing,hacking and stinky mom and future nurse. The other is have a long and happy life. I like this one better!

—Guest joepoesilva

Tommorow is The Big Day

I'm quitting tomorrow. I'm very nervous but I've read many of what you guys have written on here and it seems like its completely worth all the withdrawal. Ive tried quitting twice before, but hopefully the third time will be the charm. :)

—Guest Elin

No More Worries...

What I like best about not smoking is I feel less nervous and I have less anxiety attacks. My heart rate is normal, My breathing is better and I have plenty of energy.

—Q.V

What I Like Best

As of today I like the way my skin feels. Really it feels so soft. I keep stroking my chin and my cheeks. Sounds weird but really I am amazed.

—MissyStamp

National SmokeOut Day

I have made many attempts to quit smoking. It is National Smoke-out Day, and once again, I am trying to not smoke. I have been receiving mail from this website for weeks now, and I think it's a great site. I actually love being an ex-smoker ( when I go a significant amount of time ) My biggest problem is my head, and for some crazy reason thinking I can have just one, or I'll start again tomorrow. It's been 15 hours since my last cigarette, and even though I've done this a million times, I still have hope that one day it will really be done with. I will not stop trying. This is a great website for support, thank you.

—Guest LG

Feeling Better

That's the best thing of all. The list of benefits is long but not coughing and hacking all the time ranks at the top.

—Sherdonn