“They’re just like rolling their 1000 peso bill and then burning it.” that’s how my professor in college used to describe cigarette smokers. I have tried smoking before in high school. I smoked out of curiosity and  by some influence of friends. But then I just smoke occasionally, and eventually quit after 3 months. Until now I can’t understand why a lot of people are addicted to smoking. I experienced it myself and I didn’t find anything addicting to it. Perhaps I was just one of those fortunate people who didn’t like smoking so much that’s why I didn’t have a hard time quitting. I know a lot of people struggles and pays so much just to quit smoking.

I don’t get it, we all know that smoking is bad for your health. It can cause bad breathe, pigmentation of gums, darkening of teeth, and other harmful effects. Smoking kills, in fact I have read in this article that Cancer can overtake heart disease as world’s top killer by 2010 due to rising tobacco use. Perhaps people who never mind these kind of risks may have a very good reason.

According to drquit.com here are some benefits of smoking:

• Enjoyable
• Cope with stressful situations
• Relaxing
• Combats boredom
• Keeps weight down
• Helps focus
• Fights loneliness and depression
• Allows you leave the stress
• Puts you in a different environment
• Allows you to clear your head
• Keeping food in your stomach longer
• Suppressing your appetite
• Artificially speeding up your metabolism

Personally, one great benefit I find in smoking, is that smoking is a great social tool. Many people may call a cigarette “Cancer Sticks”, but may I also call it “Social Sticks.” I saw two complete strangers became business partners. It all started when one asked for a light from the other guy, they chat a little, the next thing they know they are already closing a deal. Another story I heard from a friend that his other friend got promoted, all started with a chat from his boss on their cigarette break. Great relationships can be built with a single cigarette.

However, there are also cases wherein one cigarette can destroy relationships or other people’s life. Perhaps smoking cannot only affect a person on his physical aspects, but on many other aspects as well (Positive/Negative).

If you are thinking or have already decided to quit smoking, there’s a lot of blogs or sites out there that can give you tips and programs that can help you quit (just google or yahoo it).  I will already congratulate you because the decision you had just made is very vital, and you’re already a step ahead to be free from smoking.

On the other hand, if you are still weighing the positive and negative effects of smoking, I wish you luck. I’ll leave you on your own realization and judgment.

Before I end this post, I just want to share another quote from my professor in college “Every cancer stick you consume, it deducts 5 minutes of your life.”