6 BENEFITS OF NOT SMOKING
Smoking cigarettes can have a negative effect on all of us whether it is physically, mentally, or spiritually. When we don’t smoke our bodies immediately begin to heal from the inside but it is the changes that occur on the outside that can inspire us to keep going. Here are six subtleties I have noticed since I quit smoking on August 31, 2014.
1. WHITER TEETH
I put on some red lipstick today for the first time in a while and I noticed a significant difference in the shade of my teeth. Ladies, as you know the darker the lipstick we wear the more pronounced the color of our teeth become. After years of smoking and drinking coffee, I can honestly say that my teeth are brighter than ever and I did not have to use any bleach on them.
2. BRIGHTER SKIN
My boyfriend complimented me on the tone and color of the skin on my face. He expressed that my skin looked brighter and that I was glowing. It is incredible the damage that smoking does to our bodies including the texture of our skin. I am hoping that the more time that progresses without a cigarette, the more my skin will heal and the better my complexion will become.
3. WRINKLES FADING AROUND MY MOUTH
I have always maintained a healthy skincare regimen but after 25 years of smoking, I have those vertical lines that run along my upper lip. Today however, after painting on my red lipstick, I noticed those lines are fading away. If this is a concern of yours, I recommend using an exfoliator 2-3 times weekly followed by a toner and moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or more.
4. NO MORE SMOKERS BREATH
I never carried the smell of smoke in my hair, clothes, or body, because I always washed my hands and had a piece of gum ready to chew as soon as I was done smoking. Now that I have been clean for 15 days, I no longer have to worry about incessantly washing my hands or brushing my teeth. I chew gum for all the right reasons now instead of trying to cover up the nicotine addiction I once had.
5. MY LUNG CAPACITY
My lungs feel more open now than they have in years. Smoking did not affect me in the sense where I would get winded or breathed heavier than normal but I do notice that when I draw in a deep breath, I almost get a little light headed. Perhaps the increase in oxygen is having a positive effect on the rest of my body.
6. MY WALLET
Since quitting on August 31, 2014, I have not smoked 150 cigarettes and have saved $50. I think it is time to treat myself to something nice or take my dogs to get them groomed. In the beginning the dollar amount was minimal but as time progresses, I am starting to realize just how much I smoked together with the amount I spent.
Quitting smoking can have a plethora of benefits to our health and well-being. I am emphatically looking forward to even more benefits from quitting this disgusting habit. What are some of the ways in which you have noticed that “not smoking” is affecting your mind, body, and spirit?
