nineteen sixties doctors were still prescribing smoking to help manage
the stress of people with a nervous disposition. Solders were given a
cigarette ration to help with the stress of combat. So it's not
surprising that many smokers on the Sunshine Coast still use
cigarettes to help with their stress.
In fact this is the number one fear amongst smokers
when contemplating quitting. It is true that smoking and
stress are linked but not in the way you might imagine.
Smoking caused stress, it does not relieve it. It is true that
initially you will feel a little calmer, as the dopamine is realised
from your brain. But soon after you will experience an adrenal burst.
This is why so many smokers like a smoke and a coffee to start the
day, they like the adrenal surge.
But soon the adrenals release the stress hormone
cortisol. Therefore if you light a smoke to reduce your stress you
will only make it worse. Chain smokers during
strong stress don't become more relaxed with each
smoke they become more and more anxious. I'm sure
you have seen it, or experienced it for yourself.
But you have connected smoking with releasing stress
for so long that the belief is strong. Just five cigarettes
per day for stress over ten years is 18, 250 cigarettes. That many
times is sure to make you believe that
smoking relieves stress.
The key is to find real ways to manage stress, not just for
those quitting smoking but for anyone.
1. Deep breathing.
2. Acupressure to anxiety relieving points
3. Heart focussed relaxation
4. Activities like Qigong, Tai Chi or yoga.
5. Relaxation meditation
6. Exercise
7. Supplement like magnesium, Oats, valerian, lemon
balm
8. Lavender essential oil on the temples or on your
pillow.
9. Emotional Freedom Technique.
10. Neuro Linguistic Programming.
11. Hypnosis
12. Reading
13. Gardening
14. Coffee with friends
15. Join a meetup group or interest group
16. Make time for yourself away from work and family
pressures.
17. Have a massage. do yourself a favour
18. Go to bed at a reasonable hour
As you can see there are plenty of ways to relax.
Managing stress isn't about inhaling 4000 toxic
chemicals it's about firstly deciding to do something
about your stress and then taking some action to help
yourself
And now for more free info on how to easily and quickly
quit cigarettes you may to go to www.60minutestoquitsmoking.com/
Wishing you the best of health