Smoking and Stress

I see a lot of people to help them to stop smoking using hypnosis as well as other methods.

Through working with smokers for years I’ve noticed patterns and similarities between the people I help.

For example, virtually everyone who comes to see me will have tried various other methods first.

Whether that be patches, gum, inhalator or good old fashioned willpower.

I don’t mind being used as “the last resort” as it makes helping them finally become healthy non-smokers all the more rewarding.

Of course the fact that they are coming to see me means that for some reason they will have had limited success with other methods.

A common time frame for giving up before lighting up again is two weeks; those that can get past the two week threshold tend to go on for a few months or even remaining non-smokers forever.

 

 

Now, the really interesting thing that I’ve noticed is that people who are reluctant to stop smoking normally give “it’s a stress reliever” as a reason.

They feel highly stressed most of the time and fear stopping smoking will increase that stress.

The fact of the matter is that the act of smoking could well be what is keeping them feeling hyper stressed in the first place.

Let me explain.

You will of course be aware of the presence of Nicotine in cigarettes, it’s a stimulant.

However, you may not be aware of the other 4000 chemicals (including some pretty nasty poisons) in their too.

Chemicals used in rat poison and embalming fluid being just two of them.

When inhaled these stimulants and chemicals cause a reaction in your body.

Your body recognises them as toxins and starts to fight them.

Your heart rate increases, as does your blood pressure.

Adrenaline is released and your breathing becomes quicker too.

All the same bodily responses as being stressed.

The “relaxed and calm” feeling comes from taking time away from a situation to go and have a cigarette as well as the deep breathing as you take a long inhale of smoke.

Deep breathing is step one in dealing with stress and anxiety as it immediately lowers your heart rate.

Next time you’re feeling stressed, take a few minutes away from the situation and take 6 – 10 nice relaxing breaths and feel the difference.