Welcome to the Community Forums

Benefits I hadn't thought of before Cancel The title field is required!

1. mariannec

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   20 Mar 2019
   10 Apr 2019

   Link to this post

   Hi all, first time poster here.  At 2 weeks today - woot woot!  Been noticing some things that have changed, apart from the usual health and money related ones .. 
   - "new" food tastes, not a pickle fan anymore haha
   - oxygen is fueling my creative writing
   - discovering city on my walks
   - no looking for "lost" smokes
   - no pyjama runs to store
   - no fist clenches to hide yellow
   - no burns on carpet / clothes
   - bad weather not my "enemy" now
   
   What bonus benefits have you discovered along your journey?
   
   Marianne
2. brieffree

   

   1478 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   10 Apr 2019 in reply to mariannec

   Link to this post

   Hi Marianne
   
   Congrats in 2 weeks Smoke free!
   
   And Congrats double to discover the Benefits of quitting!
   
   You got this!
   
   
3. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   11 Apr 2019

   Link to this post

   Welcome to our forum, mariannec and we want to congratulate you for quitting and making it 2 weeks! You have gotten through the most difficult part (first two weeks) as your body is getting rid of the nicotine and recovering from all of those chemicals.
   
   I see you have already noticed your taste bud normalizing along with you smell should also improve within only 48 hrs of not smoking. Sounds like already you have benefited from quitting and not having to worry about so many things that consumed you about smoking.
   
   Continue to enjoy and stay strong. Other benefits include:
   -Walking becomes easier within 2weeks
   -Lungs operation improves by 30%
   -Blood circulation has improved, hence the notice of oxygen
   
   Great job and everyone else who has quit.
   
   jenna c, Quit Coach

4. kittie_v

   

   21 posts
   Registered:
   25 Mar 2019
   11 Apr 2019

   Link to this post

   mariannec,
   What a great post! Thank you for sharing.  I am on day 10 myself and I can tell you that the new tastes thing is actually very difficult for me. I am a very picky eater naturally and now that EVERYTHING tastes different I really have to reevaluate all my food choices LOL.
   
   I will also add to the list my smile which is already whiter and the extra time I have in the morning to get ready for work.  I have actually started to set my alarm a little later to get a few more ZZZZZZs
   
   Keep up the great work and Not One Puff Ever!!
   
5. roseokw1

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   13 Apr 2019
   28 Apr 2019 in reply to mariannec

   Link to this post

   Two weeks smoke free today. At day 3 of my smoke-free life my sense of smell came back. Today I no longer have that awful bad breadth. I used to notice before that when I spoke people will turn the other way, that doesn't happen anymore. No more cigarettes smell on my clothes. I have gotten a bit lazy and sleep more but I guess it's nice to rest than my previous 2hours of sleep at night. I'm getting healthier every day so I hope I can stay smoke free for ever. 
6. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   28 Apr 2019 in reply to roseokw1

   Link to this post

   I'm closing in on 4 months smoke free and I still vividly recall those first few weeks of my quit. Smells and tastes were back in a big way. 
   
   My constant nasal irritation went away. Even bigger was getting up a flight of stairs and not being winded. 
   
   Then comes the day you smell a smoker walk past you. Yuck. Stale smoke is gross. 
   
   You know, I never believed former smokers who went on about what a difference it was to quit. Now I know. 
   
   Yes I gain weight. But now I'm eating healthier, started running and working my way back to  health. 
   
   Take time to learn how to be a non-smoker. Enjoy life and stop to smell the roses. 
   
7. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   29 Apr 2019

   Link to this post

   Good afternoon everyone!
   
   One of the quickest and noticeable benefits of quitting is the smell and taste improving as early as 48 hrs.  The reason for this is because the nerve endings have begun to grow back already.
   
   Hopefully, kittie_v you will find some foods that you enjoy! That must feel good, roseokw1 to not have to be embarrassed of the smell and taste that smoking effects. Love that you are getting healthier every day!
   
   Also happy to hear that you have noticed your nasal passages have improved and your stamina has increased, atp!  Don't worry about the weight, it too will subside. Like your comment too "enjoy life and stop to smell the roses".  Being a former smoker will allow you to appreciate the new smells!
   
   -jenna c
   
8. jeyan

   

   180 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   06 May 2019 in reply to mariannec

   Link to this post

   absolutely! we can do this!
9. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   07 May 2019

   Link to this post

   Here's another benefit.
   
   I quit smoking on New Years Eve, so I am now just over 4 months quit. Went to my doctor yesterday for my physical and he said I'm in good health overall. My blood pressure is down to 112/80 - which he said is impressive. It was around 140/80 for many years. 
   
   I had gained over 25 lbs since quitting. I hit a max of 245 lbs (I'm 6'2" so it is relative), but have since cut down to just under 240 and am working on shedding more. Started running and will be getting back to riding my bike soon. Hope to get myself down to 210 or less in time. 
   
   
   
10. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    07 May 2019 in reply to atp

    Link to this post

    Wow atp, it's amazing how much your blood pressure has improved!  That must make you feel so good.  Way to go.
    
    Don't worry too much about your weight gain.  In the scheme of things, that kind of gain is minimal.  With the nice weather coming, you will be more active.  You are already running.  And if you start riding your bike, the weight will really start to come off. 
    
    Congratulations on being smoke free for a solid four months, atp.  Isn't it great to enjoy the benefits of being a non-smoker?  It truly is life altering in the best of ways.  Keep up the good work.  You are rocking your quit!