Does stress drive us to smoke…or does smoking cause us stress?
Many smokers use stress as an excuse for putting off quitting smoking because they are conditioned to use cigarettes to cope with stress. For this reason, quitting isn’t usually recognized as a stress-reduction technique. But, whether it is stress to the body, pocketbook, conscience, image, family or property, smoking actually causes stress. Smokers-please take a moment to discover just how much less stressful life will be without cigarettes.
As a smoker: choosing to continue a behavior that is proven to be harmful (or is already problematic) causes stress; Spending money on cigarettes (that would be better spent elsewhere) causes stress; There may be someone in your life pressuring you to quit, further contributing to your stress; You may be ashamed of being a smoker, which is stressful; And maybe you’re even hiding your habit from disapproving friends, family members, co-workers or people you worship with…… being deceitful ALWAYS compounds stress. Also, do you remember the anguish of burning a hole in your new couch, car seat or favorite sweater?
These are all in addition to the stress associated with the growing inconvenience of merely being a smoker: When will I be able to smoke? Where will I be able to smoke? Will I have enough time to smoke? Do I have enough cigarettes? How cold is it?
If you’ve heard you inner, addictive mind suggest that you’re under too much stress to quit smoking right now, review this article again and reconsider how much stress quitting smoking can eliminate. The empowering and liberating feelings that emerge from quitting smoking will fuel your ability to manage the other, UN-modifiable stressors in your life. Remember….smoking is a MODIFYABLE behavior.
The decision to quit smoking doesn’t usually occur overnight. Only you will know when the time is right. Quitting for good usually takes practice…..so don’t get discouraged. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF about the effects that smoking has on your life. Write them down so that you can literally SEE how much stress can be eliminated altogether by quitting. Good Luck!
Kelly Lewis-Alpha Lifestyle Center of Birmingham