How to Quit Smoking

You are probably well aware of how damaging smoking is to the human body. This habit can be especially damaging if it lasts for a long period of time. Yet many smokers may not be aware of the extent of the damage that cigarettes can do to their health and over all sense of well being. This is partly due to the fact that many smokers say that they enjoy their habit because it relaxes them and they believe it helps them cope with stressful situations.

The fact is that this feeling of relaxation is extremely costly as far as a smoker's health is concerned. It is important to realize that for every second that smoking helps a person feel calm and relaxed, they will pay for that one second in minutes in the form of a shortened life or the development of disease later in life. This is why it is crucial for smokers to ask themselves if it is really worth it.

Smoking is linked to an increased risk for heart attacks, weakened lungs, and cancers of the mouth and lungs. Still some smokers continue with their habit without giving much thought to what their habit is doing to their health and body. Instead, they focus on the instant gratification that is gained from the chemical reactions that alter their mental state and cause them to have a care free attitude. This is why smoking is labeled as an addiction. It's a habit that a person will continue without giving thought to the consequences.

One way to avoid smoking is to find alternative ways of handling stress. These alternatives should not compromise one's health. Finding other methods for coping for stress will help eliminate the perceived need to smoke. This can help a person gradually free themselves from the burdens of smoking.

Meditation is one way of relieving stress in a way that is healthy for the mind and body. This method of relaxation is very convenient because a person can do it anywhere. Just sit and close your eyes and visualize yourself in a relaxing setting like lying down at a beach.