Day 61 of Quitting Smoking: The “Secrets” You Only Learn After You Quit

“Quitting smoking isn’t as hard as people say. The hardest part is taking the first step—and sticking to it.”

Hi everyone! Today marks day 61 of my smoke-free journey. It’s been a few days since my last update, so I wanted to continue sharing my experience, the methods that helped me quit, and some of the unexpected changes I’ve noticed along the way.

This time, I want to talk about the things you only understand after you quit smoking.

1. Quitting Isn’t as Difficult as I Thought

Before quitting, I was convinced it would be nearly impossible. I tried multiple times and always felt discouraged by what I read online—warnings about weight gain, stronger cravings, irritability, fatigue, and all kinds of negative symptoms.

But once I finally made up my mind and committed to quitting, I realized something surprising:
It wasn’t nearly as bad as I imagined.
Many of the “scary” symptoms never hit me as hard as people online made them sound. For me, the real challenge was simply deciding to begin.

2. My Body Started to Feel Better

The physical improvements came faster than expected.

• My mouth doesn’t taste awful when I wake up anymore.

• The yellow stains on my teeth are noticeably lighter.

• The morning phlegm and scratchy throat are almost gone.

• I cough far less, and overall I feel more energized and clear-headed.

3. I Suddenly Have Extra Time

Before quitting, every spare moment turned into “time for a cigarette.” Now, I use those same moments to read—a book I’d always wanted to start, The Ming Dynasty Chronicles. Just by replacing smoke breaks with reading, I’ve been finishing over ten chapters a day without even trying. It’s amazing how much time smoking actually consumes.

4. No More Smoke Smell Following Me Everywhere

My clothes don’t smell like an ashtray anymore.
My fingers, once stained from holding cigarettes, are returning to their natural color.
I can talk to people without worrying about my breath, and kissing doesn’t come with complaints about “tasting smoke.”

5. The Money Savings Are Real

After 61 days, I’ve saved roughly 1,000 yuan—money that would’ve gone straight up in smoke. Now I can use it for something meaningful: winter clothes, a new phone for my parents, or anything that actually matters. It’s a great reminder that quitting isn’t just good for health—it’s good for your wallet too.

6. My Wife Actually Likes Sleeping Next to Me Again

This one surprised me. My wife says I smell “much better now” and doesn’t avoid getting close. Before, she always complained I smelled like cigarettes the moment I got in bed. Now she actually snuggles up to me. Honestly, that alone makes quitting worth it.

7. The Biggest Secret: The Confidence It Brings

Many say nicotine addiction is the hardest part. And yes, cravings happen. Even now, the thought of smoking still pops up occasionally. But each time I resist, I feel stronger. Quitting has become a mental journey—a process of proving to myself that I can do something difficult.

That confidence is something smoking never gave me.

8. And Finally—Quitting Truly Isn’t That Hard

Sometimes I still wonder, “Was it really necessary to quit?” People often say everyone needs a hobby. But I want my hobbies to be things that actually give me something back—reading, writing, sharing my journey, and connecting with others who are going through similar changes.

Even though we’re separated by screens, the conversations feel real. And meaningful.

Moving Forward

I hope I can stay consistent and eventually quit smoking for life. I’ll keep updating my progress here and sharing honest, real experiences. Feel free to leave a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts or your own quitting stories.

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