Advantages of giving up smoking.

[Ashleigh42]

Inspired by the advantages of weightloss thread. Does anyone have any unexpected benefits/advantages of giving up smoking. I’m 42 and have smoked since I was 17 (excluding pregnancies). My motivation is waning somewhat! What has been the greatest benefit of stopping the cigarettes for you? Thank you!

Can you go through your story please?

My DC don't see smoking as normal. That's the biggest motivator for me to stay away from them (apart from the cost and the smell).

Especially with DS1 being a teenager now it's really important to me not to contribute to that. I'm not kidding myself that I can control whether or not he smokes but I can definitely make it seem less of a normal, acceptable thing. More than half the adults I knew smoked.

Your sense of smell and taste will improve.
Your skin and hair will be healthier and look better.
Your lungs, heart and general health will be much better.
You will feel better - the cough will go, and you'll have more energy.

The main one - you will no longer smell like a stale ashtray. All non-smokers can smell it on your hair, breath, clothes and soft furnishings in your home.

As an ex-smoker (36 years since I stopped), it's the best thing I've ever done.

I vape now and just feel cleaner

More money available
Improved sense of smell
No yellowing of house decor, hands and nails.
Much Improved health
You don't reek of smoke (something you notice on other smokers when you give up)
Clearer skin
No need to stand outside in all weathers during nights out

Just a few advantages 😁

@Allmyghosts Not sure why my comment has riled you so much. I don't think all deaths are the same. That's not exactly an unusual opinion. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Financial, my chest is less tight and I no longer snore apparently.

I've never smoked but being with friends who have, the benefits will be...

You won't smell awful, clothes etc
People won't dodge your breath when you speak
Your skin will be less damaged, you'll have less wrinkles developing going forward
Your hands will look better instead of all yellow and crooked
You'll have more money
You'll be more sociable and enjoy all the conversations instead of missing half of it going outside for a fag

Ditch those fags, OP! You're so worth it.

I switched to vaping almost 4 years ago - now vape 0% nicotine. For me, the best thing is not having to think about needing to smoke if I want to go watch a film at the cinema, or having to nip out for a quick puff when at a restaurant or pub. As a PP mentioned, being stuck in an airport is no longer a challenge, and long flights are do-able (not that I've actually done any!). Ditto going on a cruise, it wouldn't bother me not being able to smoke in my cabin or on the balcony.

Of course it's good not to be smelly - but that tends to affect those around you rather than you yourself, as smokers don't smell smoke the way non-smokers do. Financially it's brilliant - my DH still smokes, and it's costing us €16 a day - which is nuts. At least it's not €32 a day, which it would be if I still smoked! I mix my own vape liquid, so it costs me next to nothing - maybe €5 a month?

Did you find it easy to quit immediately throughout your pregnancies OP, or did you struggle?

The headspace it frees up. Have I got fags, when will I have a fag, after that one when will the next one be, will I get caught smoking in unform and put on a disciplinary, how can I squeeze in a sneaky smoke on a family day out.....etc etc etc.
Fuck me life is easier without being a slave to smoking.

There are too many advantages to list! When I started (v long time ago), I did to feel cool 🙄 now it just looks dated and disgusting. I cannot believe how awful smokers smell. Smokers and smoking really stink and even if they don't think they smell with a change of clothes etc, sorry you do, to all the non smokers (most folk now) you stink. I don't miss that at all and now feel so ashamed!!

After watching two close family members die of smoking related disease. I’m talking needing oxygen, nebs, frequent visits to hospital l, antibiotics and meds constantly and not being able to catch their breath regularly. This also gets worse over time so maybe in 50/60s when kids are older and more time you are too sick to enjoy it.

it stinks so you do , your clothes do , your belongings. Even if you think you are careful.

Such a waste of money!

No vicious hangovers if you have a drink. Money in your pocket. Save it for a holiday! Ability to climb stairs without oxygen.

Treat yourself to something every month so you've got something to enjoy from not spending money on fags , it's great 👍