Evidence suggests that the beneficial effect of smoking cessation on symptoms of anxiety and depression may be equivalent to that of antidepressants. We all know that quitting smoking improves physical health. But, it’s also been shown to improve your mental health and well-being: it can improve mood and help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.
People with mental health problems are likely to feel much calmer, more positive, and have a better quality of life when they stop smoking. Here is a list of 8 reasons to stop this substance abuse for a healthier and happier lifestyle!
1. You will feel less stressed:
When you crave nicotine, it creates feelings of stress in your body. The longer you go without a cigarette, the more irritable you become. Many believe that smoking helps relieve stress, but the opposite is actually true. Smoking and stress are linked, and numerous studies show that smoking increases anxiety and tension.
Smoking relieves those nicotine cravings, leaving you feeling instantly relaxed. But don’t be fooled, it’s not smoking that helps you relax as many believe – stress is primarily nicotine withdrawal. This is why this relief is only temporary and stress will quickly reappear along with your desire.
Scientific studies show that after quitting, your stress levels will decrease and you will feel less stressed than someone who smokes.
While dealing with stress may be the reason you don’t want to quit, there is plenty of support available to help you on your way to quitting with many ways to manage the stresses and strains of life much more effectively. Using nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum can be a great way to ease these cravings without smoking.
2. Feeling happier:
Quit smoking and be happier! Smoking affects brain chemistry and can be depressing. Research shows that smokers who quit smoking for six weeks or more are happier than those who continue to smoke. Even better, evidence suggests that quitting may be as effective as antidepressants in reducing depression and anxiety.
For people with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, quitting smoking is likely to make you feel much calmer and more positive, improving your overall quality of life and level of happiness.
3. Take back control:
Feeling in control of your life will make you feel better. The more in control you feel, the greater your sense of well-being and happiness. When you smoke, addiction rules your life. In addition to taking over your thoughts, smoking can take a lot of time out of your day. Even shopping for cigarettes or finding a place to smoke and going out for a cigarette takes time.
Quitting smoking puts you back in the driver’s seat. Smoking will no longer control your daily thoughts and activities. You will be free to decide how to spend your time and do things your way. This sense of backward control can improve your mental well-being. Ex-smokers tell us how free and liberated they feel after quitting.
If you want to take back control of your life…maybe it’s time to quit for good?
4. End the blame game!
You see tons of posters and hundreds of people begging you to start taking care of yourself and deep down, high chances are, if you are reading this article, you want to end the habit yourself! It is a brave step and we are proud of you.
5. Reduce your financial worries:
Worrying about money can lead to mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
With the current price of a pack of cigarettes anywhere between Rs 40- 250, the cost of smoking has never been more expensive. Add to that the indirect costs, such as the potential loss of earnings if you’re unwell, and the financial burden of smoking can push your budget to the limit.
Quitting your job immediately puts more money in your pocket, and those savings add up quickly. Use our cost savings calculator to find out how much you can save each month. Very quickly, you’ll be able to use your savings for special treats or just to help your monthly budget go a little further.
Also Read: Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Prevention, Facts
6. Enjoy a better quality of life:
Your physical and mental health is strongly linked to the quality of your life. The happier and healthier you feel – the better your quality of life will be.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the world. Within 2 to 12 weeks of quitting smoking, your circulation will improve, making physical activity such as walking and running much easier. Your immune system also improves, making it easier to fight off colds and flu.
7. You will live longer with an improved life!
Most smokers say they want to quit, but some continue because smoking seems to relieve stress and anxiety. It is widely believed that smoking helps to relax. But smoking actually increases anxiety and tension. Smokers are also more likely to develop depression over time than non-smokers.
In addition to making you happier and healthier, quitting smoking will also help you save money that you would have spent on cigarettes. All of these factors will contribute to you enjoying a much better quality of life.
8. A golden chance to change and inspire others!
A story of improvement is more inspiring than fables. If you’re not as successful as you’d like, you’ll still learn something that will help you next time. The more comfortable you are with using the support available, the better prepared you will be to stop completely the next time.
Get into therapy, help yourself and those around you. Grow your character and social status the right way. Be an inspiration for the coming generation. Be strong, not an addict.
If you want to quit smoking, contact a local smoking cessation service that gives you the best chance of quitting completely and for good.
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