9 Reasons Smokers are Grateful They’ve Quit

1. I’m no longer poisoning my body and putting myself at higher risk of cancer.

You already know this, but good health is worth celebrating!

 

Decline in lung function stops within 72 hours of quitting; after one year, your risk of a heart attack is reduced by 50%. In ten years, risks of lung, bladder, kidney and pancreatic cancers decrease.

 

2. I’m a better role model for my children.

 

Children who live with smokers have a greater risk of picking up smoking than those who live with non-smokers. By quitting smoking, you’re being a good role model for your child, and you’re giving your family the gift of a smoke-free home.

Your family’s health will no longer be harmed by second- and third-hand smoke — second-hand smoke refers to smoke from cigarettes that goes into the air; third-hand smoke is the smoke that lingers on fabrics and surfaces even after you’ve put out the cigarette.

The best part? Your health also improves so you can be there for your children as they grow older.

 

Related: Bring the Gift of Smoke-Free Living Home

3. I look (and feel) much better.

Hello better skin! Quitting will improve your general appearance, reducing the chances of wrinkles and acne. Your hair, eyes and nails will start to look better too, while your teeth won’t stain as easily. You’ll also feel better — you’ll breathe easier and have more energy to do the things you love.

4. I have a better, more satisfying love life.

 

Smoking contributes to slower arousals, erectile problems, impotence, and reduced satisfaction — heavy smokers (more than 20 cigarettes/day) are 60% more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction than non-smokers, and smokers are 30% more likely to be impotent. Quitting might help you and your partner be happier in the bedroom!

Besides a healthier love life, you’ll also be protecting your partner from the harms of second- and third-hand smoke!

Looking for a date? According to a popular dating website, almost 90% of respondents prefer dating non-smokers, so you might have more luck in the dating field.

Related: What Is Sexual Health

5. My baby can grow healthily in a safe environment.

 

Smoking while pregnant more than doubles the risk of miscarriage, and increases the risks of premature birth and a low birth-weight baby. Quitting will give the baby a safe, healthy environment to develop in.

Related: Smoke-Free Environment for a Healthier Family

6. I’m no longer breathless after light physical activity.

No more panting after climbing stairs or watching your non-smoking buddies destroy you on the football field.

Once you quit smoking, the benefits will kick in almost immediately. Within eight hours, the oxygen level in your blood returns to normal, and within three months, your lung capacity and energy level increase. Time to show your football kakis who’s boss!

7. I can savour and fully enjoy yummy food again!

Singapore’s a foodie heaven, so make use of your recovered sense of taste and smell and rediscover what you’ve been missing.

8. I’ve saved more than $2,000 after quitting.

 

A pack of 20 cigarettes cost S$14*. You'll save at least S$5000 a year if you used to smoke a pack a day. Think of all the things you can do with that much money!

*The pricing of cigarettes is accurate at the time of publishing this article.

Related: 5 Ideas to Enrich Your Children This March Holiday

9. I love being an inspiration to others (and myself)!

You’ve overcome the struggles and come such a long way, and you have so much to be proud of. Your efforts might even encourage your friends to quit!

 

What are you grateful for on your journey to becoming smoke-free?

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• Weigh to Go! Quit Smoking Without Weight Gain
• Smoking and Babies: What’s the Harm?