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When you are running late trying to finish a project at work it is not uncommon to start feeling major anxiety. Plus, the fact that a disagreeable boss may be breathing down your neck does not exactly make the day go by easier. The anxiousness of anxiety is not exactly easy to deal with and that is why many people reach for certain calming agents to minimize their "jitters." Unfortunately, one of the most common items people reach for are cigarettes and these bring with them a host of additional costs and problems that make anxiety and nervousness pale in comparison.
While it is not the intention of this article to psycho-analyse people who smoke (we'll leave such discussion to mental health professionals) it is important to note that many psychiatrists have pointed out that many people smoke as a way of curbing anxiety and stress. Often, the physical act of puffing away on a cigarette provides a calming action that allows a person to slow down and relax. But, there is a serious price to pay for such relaxation and it comes in the form of the multitude of health problems that smoking yields. While you may end up feeling a little relaxation thanks to dragging on that Winston the truth of the matter is that the carcinogens in the cigarette will give you something major to stress over later in life in the form of heart disease and respiratory problems. Because of this it becomes critical to curb one's anxiety with something that does not come with smoking related health problems and risks.
If you are looking for something to act as a substitute for a cigarette you will probably be delighted to learn than many of the substitutes are common to find. Believe it or not, one of the best substitutes for smoking is drinking water. If you start to drink full bottles of water when the urge to smoke comes over you then the pangs of smoking may decrease. There is a feeling of fullness that comes over a person when they drink water and this can often dull the sensation of smoking. This may also have the residual effect of calming anxiety as well.
While on a quit smoking quest it is a good idea to replace the smoking with a healthier choice like water, of course, water is not the only substitute that you can use. Candy and gum (hopefully of the sugar free variety) can also be used to "feed the Frankenstein" that nicotine cravings cause. Plus, gum and candy are easy to carry and can be ingested far more innocuously than water making these substitutes even easier to use than bottled water. Conversely, sometimes it is not what you take but what you don't take that can aid in curbing your nicotine cravings. If you curb your intake of caffeine then you will eliminate some of the jittery anxiety than can lead you to reaching for that pack of cigarettes. Clearly, anything that eliminates cigarettes is beneficial for one's health both mentally and physically.
Many of us are accustomed to having daily smoking breaks-timesof the day when we would, without fail, grab our packs and ourlighters and head to an open window! Oftentimes we would look toour cigarette breaks as a chance to get away from the stressesof work or just to have a quiet moment to ourselves.
Just because you have given up cigarettes doesn't mean that youcan't enjoy breaks. But now, instead of lighting up, substitutenew, healthier alternatives that will give you a similar senseof calm and relaxation.
Here are some of my favorites:
Meditate
Meditation can be a wonderful way to gain control of your mind,especially when it's racing with thoughts of how much you misssmoking and cigarettes. It's incredibly easy to do and can bedone anywhere, without any equipment except your own body
Simply sit on the floor in any comfortable position (such ascross-legged). Close your eyes. Attune your ears to the soundsaround you, whether it's the noise of the street or the voicesof your office colleagues. Now shift focus so that you arelistening to the sounds of your breath and your own body. At thesame time, concentrate on a mental image that gives you a senseof peace, such as a candle flame, a tree, or cloud. Try to keepyour focus centered for at least 10 minutes at a time.
Listen to Music
Music is such an amazing distraction. It's so easy to get lostin a familiar melody, or to be transported by a new song thatreally speaks to you in some way. In fact, music has an effecton the brain that may be similar to chemical substances-but it'sall totally natural, of course!
A great tip is to substitute daily music breaks for what used tobe your daily smoking breaks. Instead of going outside to puffaway, put on a soothing CD or turn the radio on a channel youlove. You can use your i-Pod if you're at work, or play it outloud if you're at home. The distraction will keep your mind offcigarettes, and the music will give your body its much-neededdose of relaxation.
Go for a Walk
Don't just sit in your office or your living room thinking abouthow much you wish you had a cigarette right now. Instead, get upand put your body in motion. The physical stimulation will startendorphins coursing through your body. If you can take a strolloutside, do so-pay attention to the sounds of the birds, carspassing by, the color of the flowers in bloom, and so on. Thepoint of this exercise is to get yourself "out of your mind,"focusing on external things in order to beat the urge tosmoke.
Develop New Interest
Try developing new interests or hobbies like gardening orpainting. Such things would keep your mind off that urge tosmoke. All of us have a certain measure of creativity that oftenremains untapped. It would be a wonderful thing if you could tryworking on that creativity. Join a dance class or a drama class.Or you could try learning a new skill like pottery or claymodeling. Try to involve yourself with other people. Do samesocial work, or try helping out at the local volunteerorganizations.
Change your lifestyle by changing your routine. Go swimming, tryworking out or going to the gym. Be active. Got something youwanted to do but never had the time to do it? NOW is the time.As you distract yourself by changing your lifestyle anddeveloping new interests, you will be amazed at how easy it isto quit smoking!
Such activities make us appreciate the meaning of life in abetter way and we will stop to think twice before we waste awaythis life at the end of a cigarette.