Gary left a comment on my last post in my quit smoking mini-series that was absolutely brilliant. While I have successfully made a list of all the reasons that I hate smoking, he thought about it the other way. What about the benefits of quitting tobacco smoking? I had a great list of negatives, but considering the positive benefits is also a list I want in my wallet when I quit smoking cigarettes.
I’m glad he left that comment, because quite honestly, I hadn’t even thought about making a benefits list. Nor had I seen one already (granted, if I look now I’ll likely find one, but I won’t unless I need a little inspiration). I guess I tend to fall on the negative side when I view my own smoking. Maybe that’s good, maybe not, but I want to be a bit more up-beat and positive about the whole thing this time around.
Here is a list of all the positive things that I will experience when I finally give up the nasty habit that is smoking.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
- I won’t smell after about a week. You know its in the clothes I wear, and after a few good wash weeks, I should be smelling like a spring daisy, or a good bar of Zest.
- I’ll have much more money to spend on other frivolous items and goodies.
- Or I can save the money for a nice vacation.
- I’ll no longer be looked at by non-smokers in a deriding way. Not that I really give a flying middle finger what people think of me, it still bothers me when people do it.
- I will be saving myself about 2 hours each day. I can use that to write blog posts instead!
- My truck will smell much nicer after a wash and some of that new car smell.
- I will slowly, over time, get back the breath capacity that I once had.
- I will gain more energy and time.
- I will be able to play in the sack much longer without tiring. This should really be #1.
- I will no longer be forced to stop at gas stations and liquor stores for smokes. Now I’ll be down to gas and beer.
- I can sit inside Starbucks and be happy knowing I don’t need to be outside to smoke.
- My boss will think I’m a superstar because I’m not disappearing as often. (In case she happens to read this…)
- I will be bringing up a large amount of phlegm. Never fear, you won’t hear it coming, and yes, it will go away and not hang around swinging off some branch. Is there a doctor on the blog that can explain why this happens? I’m looking for something more than ‘you’re flushing your system man, body has to work that out bro…’, perhaps a medical explanation?
- I’ll be a positive influence to those that still smoke. No, I won’t be one of those that rides peoples asses to quit…I can’t stand those people personally, and I’ll never be one. Not seriously at least.
- I will no longer have the need to carry a lighter, unless I go rock out at some concert.
- I will no longer litter the earth with my butts when no ashtray is around.
- No ashtrays!
- Perhaps the wrinkles in my hands will go away…alright, one can hope right?
- I’ll not worry about a less than satisfactory erection. Not that I’ve had any issues mind you…I have my pride to consider right? lol
- I’ll be able to stick other things in my mouth to appease my oral obsession. I want to say something like ‘like a clitoris, or nipple’ but I felt that might be crossing the line. Ah hell, I said it anyway. There’s my flag again, are you proud now? Look at what you guys have done to me.
- I will be large (if I don’t work out) and in charge.
- I’ll be able to work out and actually push myself to do more aggressive cardio work outs.
- I will no longer think about smoke breaks (at least, eventually right?)
- I will not worry about my face or hands turning yellow
- I will have an opportunity to improve my overall health.
- I will not have a need for mints or gum to hide my breath.
- I will not wheeze or cough as much over time, and eventually that will stop altogether.
- Those “pinhole burns down the front of favorite satin shirt” will no longer be an issue. I’m really bummed that no one picked up on the musical reference.
- I can say ’sorry, I don’t smoke’ when a stogie leach is around.
- I will no longer worry about sneaking a smoke and getting busted in restricted zones.
- Did I mention the buttload of money I’ll be saving?
- I will be able to savor flavors and smells much more after I quit.
- I will no longer have a ritual smoke at the beginning and end of each day.
- I will no longer have a smoke when I hop in my truck.
- I will no longer have a cigarette after eating a meal.
- I will no longer feel stressed or have that ‘I have to smoke’ feeling.
- I will no longer smoke.
- I will be much happier
- I will be much healthier
- I will succeed.
I wanted to end the list as upbeat and positive as I can. While the benefits may have blended with some positive affirmations, I still think each and every one of these will help me become stronger willed when that big day comes. Speaking of which, I’m thinking about claiming a date and going for it soon. Of course, you’ll hear about it.
Sound Off
What else can I put on this list? There are so many benefits, however coming up with 40 was fairly easy. I’m sure there are plenty more that I just can’t put a finger on yet.
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Wayne John is a web developer in Southern California that shares his 25+ years of programming and web development experience freely and happily to anyone willing to learn. He also loathes speaking in the third person. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you 
Another entertaining article Wayne
I just want to say to those who are still struggling to quit smoking, that the easiest way for you to do so is by use of Neuro-Linguistic-Programming (NLP) or Hypnosis. Quitting cold turkey is the only sure way to quit…97% of all successful, long-term ex-smokers quit by quitting cold turkey.
The overwhelming majority of those who try to quit using nicotine replacement products or designer drugs such as Chantix or Zyban relapse within one year of quitting, and in the case of designer drugs even run the risk of serious mental illness or possibly life threatening side effects.
Safest way to quit is by far NLP/Hypnosis.
Just my two cents worth.
Art H´s last undefined ..Response cached until Sun 7 @ 6:08 GMT (Refreshes in 23.01 Hours)
Found a way to smoke and still be healthy (and save money. http://www.goodsmoker.com
still trying to give up finding it really difficult at the moment … only lasing 3 days. has any one tried these to help? do the keep you off the fags?
I don’t doubt there are countless benefits to quiting smoking, every smoker is aware of that. Nevertheless only few smokers manage to get motivated by that, the rest of them are simply too deep in nicotine to even consider further thinking on this, they usually need a stronger stimulus.
ok im dying to know if u ve quit yet? im wanting to quit too but haven’t just yet. im wanting to quit for vain reasons. haha really wrinkles r not really what im wanting yet. ppl claim they go away or drastically reduce. so in a vain effort to preserve myself, i want to quit. email me. maybe if uve not yet we can quit the same day. lol nice cat btw
Yeah, could probably list 1000 if you really tried and got carried away with it. haha
great article wayne, i’m sure there are at least another 40 benefits for quitting smoking too
Eddy, thanks…no really! I’ve always wondered about that, but of course never took it upon myself to try to find the answer. I wonder what duration of time needs to pass before the paralysis begins to disappear.
Lol Ryan…don’t ruin my BigMac fantasies…
I need to quit smoking too. It’s such a good stress relief though!
Anyway, in reference to number 13. Smoking paralyzes your cilia, the little hairs in your respiratory system that move junk that shouldn’t be there up toward your mouth so you can get rid of it. When you quit, the cilia are no longer paralyzed, and the tar/other accumulated crap in your respiratory tract is able to get out.
is it a nastier habit than mc donalds? when da last time you look at a big mac patty? its grey. cause 10 percent flesh wont keep it a regular color. at least camel uses a fuckin preservative. smoke on waynejohn.
That one, and many more for sure!
Holy shit! That is one long list. Some day I hope to kick the nasty habit…but that smoke after sex will be a hard one to give up.
I can only agree with you on that.
Too bad we can’t opt out of being a statistic…
a bittersweet victory it will be..punctuated with envy and freedom and another statistic that will be used to prove how raising taxes can dissuade consumers from purchasing products even if they enjoy them. such a conundrum
hmm…I need to work on the “quotes” BBCode styles a bit…
Thanks for dropping a line Eric! [quote]The benefits far outweigh the pleasure of a smoke.[/quote] That’s very true. I was able to come up with way more reasons to quit that I could not to.
I cannot wait to set a date!
I quit smoking 15 years ago. I will admit it was very difficult but I am glad I did. My motivation – it was a Valentine gift to my wife our first year together. I am convinced the only way to really quit smoking is when you make up your mind to do it. Tapering is an excuse for more. If you are serious you can do it. I tried it all, patches, gum, filters…. it wasn’t until I told myself I was going to stop and made up my mind that I actually did.
I know it’s hard but it can be done. Great list above as well. The benefits far outweigh the pleasure of a smoke.
That’s what I’m talking about! The money I’ll save is going to be sooo nice.
All I need to do is figure out which day to start…which day…
I quite last new years day. Paid cash for my 42inch plasma tv–up my Netflix account to 4 at a time, now eat Filet Mignon more often, (makes a nice break from Hamburger variations). OOOOH OOOH and also got four new fall shirts, and three pairs of pants from The Eddie Bauer Catalog—–all on the monies I save every month from no smoking—-life is good.
Ah, but that’s the beauty of it, you don’t need to be. This list will sit in the back of your mind and slowly chew at the inner fabric of your mind.
Have any you would add to the list?
While I like all of these, I’m still not on board. I’ll keep thinking about it, but good for you!