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

Responses: 88

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

Less Tension

I started smoking in 1972 and quit it last Sept. 25 '09, when I was diagnosed with hypertension. I suffered chest pain every night but just couldn't quit the habit. But last September I told myself this is it. Thank God I'm smoke free. I can inhale without chest pain, sleep well,eat well and I wish to thank you (Terry Martin ) for the advice. Keep up the good work.

—Guest Hydro

Feel Great

The one thing I've noticed is that so many people who have left comments are saying that this time they feel different about quiting, this time it will work....you know what, I feel the same way. It's been 3 days now after smoking 20 p/day for 20 years. I had an apple yesterday and it tasted soooo good, coffee in the morning smells wonderful, taking in a deep breath of air feels so good compared to painful. Best decision I ever made three days ago was to go cold turkey.

—Guest Glen

Everything Happens for a Reason....

When clove cigarettes became illegal, I really had no choice but to quit. In a way, I feel lucky, because unlike my hubby (who quit with me) I can't even go to the store & get my brand anymore. It has almost been a week, cold turkey and already I can feel the difference. My hands aren't cold all the time. I sleep better at night. I can smell again. No more worrying about what store actually carries cloves, Google mapping evey time I'm out of town so I know where to get them. Thank you for all of the wonderful articles and stories about quitting - they have been my lifeline. Thank you to my hubby for quitting with me.....being wonderful and supportive. I know I have a long way to go, but I take it one day at a time..... Good luck to you all, keep up the hard work. ;)

—Guest Amy

Everything ... a New Life!

Wow, there are SO many benefits. Most of mine have already been listed here by others, but the most important are: 1) feeling better about myself and my future; 2) being able to breathe much easier; 3) enjoying my workouts; 4) saving a TON of money; 5) being WAY less nervous; 6)not smelling like an ashtray; 7) everything's just easier now without cigs on the brain (when can I get my next fix, do I have enough money left in my account to buy cigs, etc); 8) just the overall peaceful feeling that I am taking care of myself! Good luck to everyone. I know it's not easy by a long shot but quitting is possible with hard work.

—irene.80

Control of My Life

I decided to quit today instead of next week, next month etc... The way I look at it, I would never let someone treat me like this in my life. Would I really want someone to take $6 from me every day, give me cancer and make me feel horrible?? No I wouldn't so why have I let this control my life for 15 years? Good-bye my friend and so long!

—Davisa5

No More Worry About Having Enough Cigs

For me the best thing was not having to go through the hassle of always having to make sure I had cigarettes, a lighter, etc. on hand...the whole hassle of their existence in my life. "Oops! I forgot my lighter!" "Oh no - I only have 4 cigs left - gotta stop and get some!" It's like I'm free from that burden. If you're going to be burdened then at least benefit from it!

—Guest Ray Buschow

Blood Pressure Way Down

Twelve days into the quit and my blood pressure is back to normal after flirting with hypertension for several years. I can't believe it took me so long to wake up! Benefits come fast.

—miney59

Miraculous Burrito

I ate a chorizo burrito yesterday (after having quit for 3 days after 17 years of smoking) and it was the most delicious thing I can remember ever having tasted. Also, my skin in clear, I can breathe deeply, I smell good, and where I was thinking I would be more nervous, I actually feel much more confident and secure. I have a baby coming in January and this helps me stay dedicated and inspired. But the benefits I'm feeling for myself are very real. Thanks for posting your comments here, they are helping me defeat the goblin in my head.

—Guest Eggy

THIS is MY TIME

It's been 12 days since my last smoke. 10 days for my Hubby. We've both quit before, but this time seems different. For the first time, it just "feels right" ~ not about willpower...Just POWER. Funny thing, POWER. My Hubby bought 2 packs the night he quit. They're still lying around...a constant reminder that we don't NEED them. Amazing! I still don't fully understand what's changed...but we're facing the change TOGETHER...Our LOVE for each other and our children is GREATER than our love of smoking.

—Guest TiMac

No More Smell, More Money, Better Health

I was always self-conscious about the way I smelled after smoking a cigarette. It's nice not to have that worry anymore. Also, I don't make very much money and I was spending way too much of my weekly income on something that was killing me. Not very smart. It's only been four days of not smoking for me and I know that I have a lot of work ahead of me until I truly feel like a non-smoker. One other nice benefit to not smoking is that I'm not drinking alcohol = fewer calories daily! Next goal--to ease into a walking program once I've gotten a few weeks of not smoking under my belt. It's easier to make healthier choices without cigarettes hanging over me.

—stlgibbs

So Many Benefits

I can actually breathe right in!! I can smell food/grass/my perfume.My teeth, skin and eyes look brighter.I'm calmer and confident. Fags don't control my life anymore. I'm proud to be a positive role model to all I know. Love to kiss my boyfriend and family - nice fresh kisses. Fear of cancers are no longer at the front of my mind! Feel ready to face and experience my emotions for the first time in years!! Have so much more energy. I walk to work every day just feel one thousand times better. I'm enjoying life so much more! Have stopped for 5 weeks! Go for it you will feel good, I promise!

—ria1981

No More Shame, No More Fear

I was having migraines and dizzy spells where I could see waves and of course never thought it was the cigs. I believe I was headed for major circulation problems or worse. I smoked 2-3 packs a day. Disgusting! I have quit many times and now this time I will NEVER take another puff! Whyquit.com and this site has helped more than anything! We can do this! I have no more shame, I am working out, I am clean and smell good..no more seeing waves, no more headaches!

—Guest kate

Free from the "ISM"

I am free today from the "ISM" (Imprisonment, Spiritually, Mentally) by a fear-based disease and the addictions such as smoking that are symptomatic of the disease. I no longer have fear in my life today and that is a freedom in itself - free to be who I am and what I am.

—CAMHFC

Freedom

No longer a SLAVE to big tobacco!!! It has only been 3 days since I smoked my last cigarette but, after so many unsuccessful quits, I know this is MY TIME. How I spend my time and money is now up to me. After smoking for 42 years, I may yet die from a smoking-related illness, but I will know that I beat smoking before it beat me!

—alykat_29

My Health

I quit on 3/27/09 and in August I was able to go off my blood pressure meds. I havn't had any of my usual bronchitis attacks so I guess the doctor was right for once, which by the way he loves to hear. And if this is how I feel in six months I can't wait to see what I feel like in a year. And the best part is I have saved about $1176, and since my granddaughter gave me the strength and motivation to quit I will be taking her on a nice vacation on my one year anniversary 3/27/10.

—Guest Tammy Murphy