Sure, when we are stressed, a cigarette is the natural thing to reach for – as that is how we have dealt with stress for much of our lives. However, if you take a step back and look at the whole picture, when confronted with multiple medical issues and feeling helpless in the face of all of this, wouldn’t it feel good to know that you are working on one issue that is within your control? Wouldn’t it feel good to know that you are doing what you can to help the situation? And… wouldn’t it feel good to know that you were finally able to deal with this horrible addiction?
And by the way… did you know that smoking actually contributes to your stress?
When you are addicted to cigarettes, and you have not smoked for some time, you probably notice those all too familiar withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and agitation. And then, when you have a cigarette, you find relief as the withdrawal symptoms dissipate. You then reason that smoking helps to manage stress, when actually, the opposite is true! Physiologically, with every puff of a cigarette, you are getting a big, bolus dose of nicotine. This puts stress on the body by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and constriction of the blood vessels. However, if you quit smoking by utilizing a plan which includes smoking cessation medications, you may find that those withdrawal symptoms lessen; and therefore, the process of quitting may prove to not be as stressful as you anticipated.
And, while utilizing a combination of the 7 FDA-approved smoking cessation medications is important in being successful with quitting smoking, developing other behavioral skills to deal with stress will be paramount to your success as well.
Here are some ideas to consider:
- Find a physical activity you enjoy and stick with it. Consider taking a fitness class with a friend, which will help you both to uphold your commitment and be accountable to each other.
- Try utilizing deep breathing when feeling stressed or anxious. This is an exercise that you need no equipment for and can draw upon at a moment’s notice.
- Practice having a more positive outlook. Keep in mind that you have control over how you think about the challenges in your life.
Finally, after quitting smoking, many find that their life is less stressful as they no longer need to worry about if they have enough cigarettes, where they are going to smoke, and if others will smell the cigarette smoke on their clothes. These concerns can be a significant source of stress for those who smoke, and the relief felt regarding such issues when you quit can be so freeing!
Are stresses in your life keeping you from quitting smoking? Can you name ways your life would be less stressful if you quit? What are other things you could do to deal with stress without reaching for a cigarette?
Barb Dallavalle, MA, LP
NDC Counselor/CTTS
Reference: Stress Management When You Quit Smoking | Everyday Health
Photo by Tim Goedhart
