One of the most difficult parts of quitting is smoking is obvious: you enjoy smoking. For nicotine addicts, a smoke is a simple, daily pleasure. The thinking goes, then, that if you stop smoking, your life will be less enjoyable.

 

Well, guess what? Being a non-smokers brings its own simple pleasures. And these pleasures do not carry the same risks associated with smoking. A smoke-free life is wonderful. Once you've quit, your world will contain tons of new, great things. Here are a few things to look forward to as a non-smoker.

The Taste of Food

Need a light at the end of the tunnel to look forward to? How's this? When you stop smoking, food tastes better. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), this is because smoking kills your taste buds. Once you've quit smoking, your taste get a chance to come back. More taste buds means that food has more flavor. Once you stop smoking, you'll be able to taste things the way you did when you were young.

 

Moreover, you'll be able to experience new kinds of foods with your brand new buds. You can experience that new restaurant your friends have been raving about but you haven't been able to fully taste. And to think, cigarettes ads used to call their products "flavor country"!

Smell

With taste comes smell. Quitting smoking means your nose is no longer filled with that pungent tobacco reak. The air will be clean, fresh, and full of new sensations. Imagine the fragrance of oranges on a spring day. Imagine the smells of your youth. A smoke free just smells right.

 

Additionally, the people around you will be able to breathe easier. Sorry, but there's no easy way to put this: smoking stinks. Nearly all smokers smell strongly of tobacco most of the time. And you may not be aware of it because you're so used to it.

The Mirror

Cigarettes age you. Your skin develops wrinkles and other signs of wear and tear much more quickly in the presence of cigarettes. Once you've stopped, your pores will be clean. Your skin will look more youthful. And you'll radiate happiness due to your pride in your accomplishments. All the new things you enjoy will also contribute to your newly found youth.

Exercise

Once you've stopped smoking, you'll be able to completely enjoy a brisk fall walk. As a smoker, even small exertions can leave you winded and panting. Smokers are stuck inside with nothing better to do than to smoke more cigarettes. (On the flip side, you'll never be forced to step outside in the dead of February to get your nicotine fix!)

 

When you're done with tobacco, you've got energy. You'll want to get out, enjoy that clean air, and experience the world. Exercise will also help you keep off the cigarettes because exercise is a better stress reliever than nicotine. A solid 10 minute jog or a hour long bike ride will leave you relaxed, smoke free, and enjoying your new-found freedom.