Posts Tagged ‘Smoking’

Most smokers argue that they smoke in order to relax. However it is easily shown that smoking actually does the opposite.

Studies show that the stress levels in smokers are generally higher than those in non-smokers. Smokers typically experience what they perceive as normal moods during smoking and worsening moods between cigarettes. The apparent relaxant effect of smoking is actually only a reversal of the tension and irritability that develop during nicotine withdrawal. In simple terms, a lack of cigarettes for a smoker causes stress, that is then reduced by smoking.

Psychologist Andy Parrott, Ph.D., of the University of East London agrees that evidence shows that the apparent relaxant effect of smoking only reflects the reversal of the tension and irritability that develop during lack of nicotine. He comments that “Regular smokers, therefore, experience periods of heightened stress between cigarettes, and smoking briefly restores their stress levels to normal,”

However I would argue that cigarettes don’t even restore stress levels back to ‘normal’. Cigarettes are well known to increase the heart rate and the blood pressure, which exacerbates stress. It would seem plausible to say that a lack cigarettes causes stress, which is only partially remedied by smoking. A cigarette will probably not even quite get you back to normal relaxed levels, although it may feel like it because of the stress it has caused. Most smokers are fooled, or want to be fooled, into thinking that cigarettes are good for helping them deal with stress.

Probably the biggest relaxation benefits a cigarette can provide is the taking 5 minutes out, and the deep breathing from smoking. You must stop what you are doing in order to smoke a cigarette, plus you must take in slow deep breaths when drawing from it. These things are known to greatly help stress levels. However you don’t need to smoke to do this. When you are feeling stressed, simply stop what you are doing for a minute or two, and take a few slow deep breaths. It’s really simple, but highly effective. Try it right now. Put down whatever it is you’re doing and take 5 or 6 slow deep breaths. Close your eyes if this helps.

Doesn’t that feel better?

All you need to do is keep reminding yourself when you are starting to feel a bit stressed to stop what you are doing for a few minutes, and take a few slow deep breaths. 4 or 5 mini breaks like this during your day will make a very profound difference to your stress levels – whether you are a smoker or a non-smoker.

But if you are a smoker, don’t keep kidding yourself into thinking that smoking aids stress, because it doesn’t. The truth is that whilst you are a smoker, those greedy cigarette companies are controlling your stress levels. They are playing with your mind, trying to force you to smoke. They have got you on a cycle of dependency that must be broken. The product they are selling to you is not providing you with anything. And how much are you paying? Instead it takes from you, and gives you some back when you use their product. But it actually leaves you worse off, and you are allowing that to happen.

Do yourself a favour – Become a non-smoker today. Take your life in your own hands, and be happier, healthier, and save cash as well.

If you want help quitting smoking, then I REALLY recommend Quit Smoking Hypnotherapy. It has recently done a great job helping both my Mum and Dad quit smoking after a combination of 72 years as smokers. They have not smoked for more than two months so far, and although they are giving each other great support, they both admit they couldn’t have done it without Quit Smoking Hypnosis. They are already happier and healthier than I have seen them for years. A real source of inspiration to show that it can be done at ANY age, no matter how long you have been smoking.