I gave up smoking cigarettes about 15 years ago after a great battle with myself. Ever since then, I’m experiencing excellent health. I don’t fall sick with throat infection or other ailments every 3 weeks, I don’t have to struggle with constant irritation in my throat, I have a good appetite and eat healthy food. I don’t feel that I’m carrying lead pellets in my stomach whereas I always used to feel bloated even when I didn’t have a large appetite.

I found I have extra time on my hand. The anxiety created by smoking waned and I’m a lot more relaxed. I am able to sleep peacefully without getting disturbed or disturbing others (no bouts of coughing in the middle of night). The heavy feeling in my chest has disappeared. The skin on my face and the back of my hand had gone dark and the nails had turned purple. They’ve all returned back to their normal self. In fact these changes started getting manifested within three weeks of giving up.

I have dedicated my extra time to studying good books (usually non-fiction), running, cycling. Over the years, I’ve noticed that my stamina has improved. I take part in endurance sports.

I didn’t know how to talk about the I’ll effects of smoking without sharing all the great things I’ve experienced by giving up the habit.