subject: Dealing With Stress When You Quit Smoking [print this page] Unfortunately, it is very rarely the situation those who begin a programme of smoking cessation actually take this programme completely to its conclusion with no difficulty, unwanted effects or issues. We need to know that we now have involved ourselves in a habit which is quite addictive, has repercussions and is inherently detrimental to us. We are undoubtedly aware how difficult it might be to stop smoking and may also have tried more than once to do this. It seems as if our body is not willing to allow this up with out a fight, as it were and thus we may expect some difficult times ahead.
Please recognize that you are not the first one to go through this difficult situation but that huge numbers of people before you have addressed the question and now have been successful with their efforts to give up smoking. If you're aware of many of the difficulties which can be in front of you it assists you to prepare as you go forward.
Stress can be quite a difficult issue to deal with in the best of times and then for many of us this is one of the reasons why we smoke initially. When a stressful situation comes along it could often be easy and comforting to light up a cigarette and feel a lot of that stress "melt away." However, there are many methods for dealing with stress therefore we must investigate them because we just cannot depend on nicotine to help us through anymore.
It is also quite unfortunate how the mere act of quitting smoking by itself can induce additional feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Remember that nicotine is a drug and when it's not apparent anymore the body can go through serious withdrawal, leading to a wide variety of issues.
Physical activity is an excellent way of dealing with stress that comes along. When you go and jog on the treadmill for 30 to 40 minutes you will release another chemical into your system called dopamine. This makes you feel positive and engaged and it's amazing how different you feel when you emerge from the gymnasium after a workout. It's an excellent idea which you can take up some kind of exercise regime anyway, but whenever you feel that stress is too much for you, head for the gym.
You may even find it beneficial to join a group of some kind. Sometimes, a self-help group dedicated to those who are engaged in the process of giving up smoking can be a good place to vent some frustration and let off steam. Spiritual groups are another option for you and you may find it enlightening to join a local church and to see if you can discover a broader sense of purpose. Bear in mind much of the difficulties you will face are essentially self-generated, as your mind is telling you many conflicting things as part of the healing process. Understand what's going on, and you will be far better positioned to handle it.
