Smoking in this day and age has become a stress reliever for many people, but that temporary feeling soon gives way to even more craving.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, smoking becomes addictive because tobacco contains a chemical called nicotine that reaches the brain within 10 seconds.
At first, nicotine improves mood and concentration, decreases anger, stress, relaxes muscles and reduces appetite, but regular doses of nicotine lead to changes in the brain which then lead to nicotine withdrawal symptoms when the supply of nicotine decreases.
It can be said the majority of people who smoke use it as self-medication to ease stress.
However, research has shown that smoking actually increases anxiety and tension that all come from nicotine, which creates an immediate sense of relaxation, so people smoke in the belief that it reduces stress and anxiety.
According to an article published in The Fiji Times on October 8 last year, more than 1200 Fijians are killed every year, and 852 (71 per cent) of those deaths are among individuals under the age of 70 classified as premature deaths.
Listed are some ways to quit smoking for the better from the Mental Health Foundation:
• Getting support from family and friends.
• Living with people who smoke or have friends who smoke: suggest to them to give up together because through teamwork and dedication, there is always going to be a beacon of hope.
• If other household members smoke, encourage them not to smoke around you or leave their cigarettes, ashtrays or lighters where you will see them, thus warding off the urge to smoke.
Preparing for a change
Every single Fijian going through this ordeal can make a difference by simply writing down goals to achieve and remind yourself that these goals are achievable and not impossible.
• Imagine the rewards from not smoking — being physically healthy, improved concentration and more money saved.
• Another great tip to help quit smoking is through finding other safe and beneficial means of coping with stress. It does not always have to be a cigarette and lighter by your side during your times of need.
The foundation also stated some helpful methods are meditation, regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet.
• Counselling or talking to a religious or spiritual leader can also help.
• People planning to quit smoking need to prepare themselves for withdrawal symptoms because one may experience headaches, nausea, irritability, anxiety, craving for cigarettes, feeling miserable, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite and drowsiness.
• Not to worry — by drinking more fresh juice or water, eating more high–fibre foods and reducing caffeine and refined sugar in our diet, can all help cope with withdrawal symptoms.
• Quitting the urge to smoke is not easy if you have been a habitual user for years, but that does not mean recovery is impossible.
