Not easy for a smoker to stop this habit, one of the obstacles is the stress that hit when not smoking.
But there are ways you can do to reduce stress while quitting smoking.
"Nicotine dependence can make a person feel anxious and restless which is often interpreted by smokers as a feeling of stress. The condition that often makes people hesitant to quit smoking," said Steven Schroeder, MD, director of the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center at the University of California, San Francisco, as quoted by WebMD, Monday (01/03/2011).
When stressed, your body releases chemicals that epinephrine can disrupt the brain's ability to focus and think clearly.
But there are various strategies that can be used to help a person cope with stress while quitting smoking, namely:
1. Do not be too hard on yourself
Eliminate the habit of smoking is quite difficult, for that someone should not be too hard on yourself.
Because this condition can lead to stress, hopelessness and even depression. Try to have thoughts that are optimistic and sure can do it.
2. Leaving aside the first long-term concerns
The first few weeks of quitting smoking is the most difficult. During this period do not burden yourself with all sorts of long-term concerns, focus on what is being done at that time or now.
3. Learn to recognize the signs of stress
Try to recognize the symptoms of stress arise, such as feeling anxious, nervous, overwhelmed in dealing with a case, headaches, sleeplessness and anger. If you're feeling under pressure, try to do something about it.
4. Doing fun activities
One of the simplest ways to reduce stress is to do a fun activity or can give pleasure, such as watching comedy movies, playing with pets, hanging out with family, listening to favorite music or soak in warm water.
5. Moving or doing physical activity
Many studies have shown that physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Almost all types of activities can help, provided truly enjoyed such as swimming or walking while looking at beautiful scenery.
6. Pouring feelings in writing
Write something that could be disturbing powerful way to reduce stress. Find a quiet place and spend time for 15 minutes to write all the things that bother.
Try not to revise it and just write it, then Tear the paper and throw it away.
7. Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques to reduce stress such as yoga, deep breathing exercises and various forms of meditation are known to help smokers quit.
Usually, all these techniques work for every person, so find a technique which can create a comfortable and work best.
8. Be patient
Almost all ex-smokers feel overwhelmed and doubt in the first few days. But try to be patient that every time you successfully resist feeling like smoking, then the closer step to freedom from cigarettes. Because life will become more comfortable, happy and healthy as non-smokers.