Stress and Smoking
While the causes of stress are different for everyone, stress is a normal part of life and is difficult to completely avoid. But contrary to popular belief, smoking does not actually relieve stress, and in fact inflicts more tension and anxiety on the body. When someone smokes, or vapes with nicotine, the nicotine reaches the brain, which releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. This causes feelings of pleasure and relaxation, which the body craves over and over.
In reality, when you smoke or vape, your body is actually experiencing increased blood pressure and heart rate, less oxygen, and tense muscles. The perceived feelings of relaxation when you smoke are in fact relief from nicotine withdrawal in between cigarettes.
Remember, smoking and vaping cannot solve the problem that is giving you stress. Knowing what causes stress in your life can help you come up with a plan for relieving stress in more positive and healthy ways.
Tips for Coping with Stress
Smoking and stress are part of a vicious cycle that keeps many people trapped from moving forward. Finding new ways of managing stress is vital for your long term quit success.