Quitting Smoking? Some Ways to Ease Your Stress

Anyone who has managed to quit smoking will tell you that the first few weeks – and particularly the first few days – are the most difficult. Nicotine withdrawal can make you feel nervous and jittery – symptoms that feel a lot like stress. What’s more, you may have been accustomed (like many smokers) to lighting up a cigarette any time you wanted to alleviate your stress. You are now making the effort to give up something that (despite all of its dangers) brought you a measure of comfort in the past. You need to find ways to provide for yourself the same kind of stress relief that you once sought from smoking.

Many of these tactics will work even better for you if you make a plan for implementing them before you quit. For example, you can familiarize yourself with different relaxation techniques and see which ones really feel comfortable. Then you will have a consistent practice in place on the big day. You can also begin thinking about friends who you really trust and know you can reach out to when the road gets rough. Let these people in on your plan to quit and they can become part of your support group.
Socializing will also help to get your mind off of those discomforting withdrawal symptoms and those incessant voices in your head that keep urging you to smoke. Just be careful not to visit the places that you used to frequent when you were smoking.
Physical activity, especially if it’s enjoyable, can be one of the most potent stress relievers available to you. Exercise releases endorphins and brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine that soothe pain and stimulate sensations of pleasure and happiness. Also, if you’re engaged in a sport or other activity that you enjoy you’ll be distracting your mind at the same time that you’re nurturing your body and nervous system.
Many people respond well to relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and tai-chi. A daily practice lends more structure to the day, as well, so that you’re not left with quite so much “wandering aimless” time during which you could feel particularly vulnerable to cravings. Some of these techniques provide a good workout as well, so you can find relaxation and enjoy the natural high that exercise brings afterwards.
Whenever the going gets tough, remind yourself that the feelings associated with nicotine withdrawal (i.e., the physical discomfort and the cravings) will grow weaker with each day that you manage to abstain. An optimistic outlook can do more to alleviate your stress than anything else. It’s hard to feel good inside when you believe that you’re fighting a losing battle. Remember that many others have gone through what you’re going through; and they came out the other side and never looked back. If you’re lucky enough to know people who have quit then they could become some of your most valuable allies along the way. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you fear that your resolve is fraying.
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