How I Quit Smoking and Found a Smoke-Free Alternative That Changed My Life (With a Lot of Trial and Error!)
Hey everyone! Let’s take a moment to reflect. Oh, and by the way, it’s Gift here—your favourite Lifestyle Editor. Buckle up as I take you on a chaotic but ultimately victorious journey. Picture this: I went from puffing through ten cigarettes a day to living a smoke-free life and even travelling the world because of it! Wild, right? But before we dive in, here’s a quick disclaimer—this is NOT a paid ad. The views expressed here are 100% mine, based on my personal experience. I’m not here to convince you to smoke (or not smoke); I’m just sharing my story in case it helps someone out there.
The Smoking Saga: A Trip Down Smoky Memory Lane
To understand where I am today, let’s rewind. High school me? Young, impressionable, and convinced that smoking was the epitome of cool. (Spoiler: It wasn’t.) What started as a way to fit in quickly turned into a full-blown habit. Fast forward to university—I was smoking daily, struggling with cravings between classes, and attempting multiple cold-turkey quits that never stuck.
Then came adulthood. Still smoking. Still trying (and failing) to quit. But now, add in some fun extras: shortness of breath, constant coughing, insomnia, weight fluctuations, and of course, the dreaded smoker’s breath. (Trust me, nothing kills the mood faster than your partner recoiling after a kiss.) Exercise? Forget it. Stairs? My worst enemy.
The Turning Point: Enter IQOS
And then came a game-changing invitation. Philip Morris invited me to the launch of their latest IQOS product. If you’re thinking, What the heck is IQOS?—here’s the breakdown: IQOS is a smoke-free alternative that heats tobacco instead of burning it, meaning no ash, no lingering smoke, and significantly fewer nasty chemicals compared to cigarettes.
Before this, my only exposure to IQOS was through a former colleague. I’d see him puffing away on his device during smoke breaks while I clung to my trusty cigarette, assuming it was just another trendy gimmick, much like the vape craze currently sweeping South Africa.
At the event (which I wrote about—check it out here), I ended up in a conversation with Philip Morris’ Communications Director, Vuyokazi Xapa. Now, PR people always hype up their products, so I was sceptical. But something about her product knowledge and confidence intrigued me. She challenged me to take on the 14-day IQOS challenge—just two weeks to see if I could make the switch.
As a smoker fiercely loyal to my cigarettes, I was hesitant. But hey, why not? I took the device home, half-expecting to quit after a day. The first few puffs? Weird. Different. Honestly, kind of gross. It didn’t quite hit the same, and I found myself sneaking in a cigarette here and there. But by day ten, something changed—my body, my cravings, and my routine started adapting. Suddenly, I was smoking only IQOS, and I could already feel the difference. My breathing felt more regulated, I wasn’t gasping for air after climbing stairs, and that constant out-of-breath feeling started fading.
What was supposed to be a 14-day experiment turned into a full year of using IQOS exclusively. And the changes? Life-changing.
The Unexpected Perks of Ditching Cigarettes
- Back in the Gym: I had the energy and stamina to return to my workouts. I even ran my first marathon! (Yes, me. A marathon!)
- Reduced Anxiety: Smoking cigarettes used to spike my anxiety, but with IQOS, that edge was significantly reduced.
- Better Breathing: No more gasping for air after a few flights of stairs—I actually run up them now.
- No More Smoker’s Breath: My partner hasn’t complained about my breath in ages (which I consider a major relationship win!).
Discovering ZYN: A Travel Game-Changer
As if quitting cigarettes wasn’t already a massive win, I also got introduced to ZYN—nicotine pouches that are tobacco-free, smoke-free, and perfect for oral consumption. These little lifesavers became my travel companions, especially on long-haul flights where smoking isn’t an option. They kept my cravings in check without the need to light up, making them an absolute game-changer.
From Smoker to Winner: The Abu Dhabi Experience
Fast forward eight months, and Philip Morris invited me to Abu Dhabi for their Technovation Summit. (Yeah, quitting smoking literally took me places!) I even managed to win a competition during their quiz session, where they tested our knowledge about Philip Morris and their brands. Somehow, I beat out journalists from all over the world and came out on top. Not too shabby, right?
Looking back, I never thought I’d be that person who successfully ditched cigarettes, let alone someone who could run a marathon and win an international quiz competition about smoking alternatives. If you’re a smoker considering alternatives, do your research and find what works for you. You never know—it might just change your life too.
Until next time, stay adventurous and breathe easy!
