Stress is an omnipresent phenomenon in our hectic world. You have certainly experienced it - the pressure at work, the demands of everyday life, interpersonal conflicts and much more. At such times, many of us turn to a cigarette in the hope of temporary relief from our stress symptoms. But what does the research say?
Studies have shown that the link between smoking and stress is complex. At first glance, smoking may work as a stress management strategy, but the long-term consequences are worrying.
Stress and the smoking ritual
One of the main reasons people turn to cigarettes when they are stressed is the apparent feeling of stress relief. Nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes, can temporarily relieve symptoms of stress by affecting the central nervous system. This short-term effect can be perceived as calming and explains why many of us quickly reach for a cigarette when stressed.
The smoking ritual also plays a psychological role. Lighting a cigarette, inhaling the smoke and watching the smoke can be perceived as relaxing and calming. This fatal psychological effect reinforces the idea that smoking can relieve stress.
The dark side of smoking
Despite these temporary benefits, there is a dark side to smoking related to stress. Numerous studies have shown that smokers who cite stress as the primary motivation for their cigarette use are more stressed in the long term than non-smokers or former smokers.
The apparent stress relief offered by smoking is treacherous. The short-term reduction in stress levels through nicotine is often accompanied by increased stress levels later on. This usually leads to a vicious cycle in which smoking increases the stress response and smokers in turn look for more nicotine to deal with this increased stress.
It is your choice
There is a way to manage stress in a harmless way and quit smoking at the same time. Our Makya offers you this natural and nicotine-free way.
Your Makya provides you with an outlet for the extra stress that is released when quitting smoking. So you don't have to worry about food and sweets being used as a nicotine substitute and gaining weight.
Smokers and vapers benefit from a healthy, stress-free and weight-neutral cessation.
Overall, research shows that while smoking can temporarily relieve stress symptoms, it can lead to worsening stress levels and mental health in the long term. If you are looking for the best way to deal with stress, you should choose Makya as your companion for stress-free smoking cessation.