Why I Quit: The Health Benefits of Giving Up Smoking and Drinking

​Breaking bad habits is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things you can do, and it’s something I’ve been working on over the past six months. In June, I made the decision to quit smoking, a habit I had struggled with for years. As of December, I’ve been smoke-free for half a year, and it feels like a huge accomplishment. Alongside that, I’ve also taken steps to reduce my alcohol consumption, which had become a bigger issue than I’d realised.
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For a long time, I had a complicated relationship with alcohol. There were periods in my life where I would drink every day, sometimes just to get through the day. It was never about having a casual drink with friends—it was about using alcohol as a crutch. But as I got older, I started to realise how much it was affecting my mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy drinking at times, but I began to see how it wasn’t serving me in the long term. I decided it was time to take control and start making changes that were more positive for my health.

Tobacco prices have been rising, but that wasn’t the reason I quit. While the cost is certainly an issue, the main reason was always my health. The impact smoking had on my body was becoming undeniable, and I knew that if I didn’t quit, it would only get worse. After six months without cigarettes, I’ve noticed significant changes in my body. I can breathe more easily, and the morning congestion that used to greet me every day is gone. One of the biggest improvements is how much my sense of taste and smell has returned. I had no idea how much I’d lost them until I stopped smoking. Now, food tastes richer, and I can pick up on aromas I had long forgotten.

When it comes to alcohol, cutting back was a decision I made not just for physical reasons, but for mental ones too. Alcohol has always been a double-edged sword for me—while it may provide temporary relief, it never actually solves anything. In fact, the next day I’d often feel worse. My appetite would be suppressed, and I’d find it harder to stick to my routine. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that drinking didn’t contribute to my mental health. It only added to the cycle of feeling low and unproductive. Since reducing my intake, I feel more in control of my day, and I’m able to focus on the things that matter.

The health benefits of quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol are already clear. I have more energy, my diet feels better, and mentally, I’m in a much clearer place. But it hasn’t been easy. There were times when I craved a cigarette or felt like a drink would help me unwind, but the more I resist, the easier it becomes. The key has been reminding myself of the reasons I made these changes: to feel better, to be healthier, and to take better care of myself. It’s about progress, not perfection, and every day that I stick to my decision is a small victory.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve broken free from habits that held me back for far too long, and I’m already seeing the benefits. If you’re thinking about making a change, whether it’s quitting smoking or cutting down on alcohol, I encourage you to take it one step at a time. It’s not easy, but the rewards are worth it.