How to Manage Stress after Quitting Smoking

Stress is part of our daily lives; stress may be caused by both positive and negative events that occur.  Instead of dealing with stress in a healthy manner smokers have, over time, dealt with stress by having a cigarette.  This is considered to be a psychological effect of smoking.  When managing stress after quitting smoking it is important to recognize the psychological effects smoking has on you.  In doing so it is important to recognize the type of events that cause stress.  And the level of stress they cause.  When quitting smoking it is most likely for the first few weeks your stress levels will be higher than normal due to the physical and psychological symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Steps for Managing Stress after Quitting Smoking

1. Identify the symptoms of stress

   • Physical symptoms of stress include tightness in the muscles, sleep problems, increased heart rate, back and/or neck problems, fatigue, headaches, and dry mouth.

   • Emotional symptoms of stress include an increase in mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and fear.

   • Thoughts that can be signs of stress include; trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, repetitive thoughts, fear of failing, difficulty making decisions, and self-criticism.

   • Behavior symptoms of stress may be things like jaw clenching, change in appetite, impulsive behavior, nervous laughter, speech problems, teeth grinding, and increased smoking.

2. Identity the events that are prone to cause stress, examples include:

   • Arguing with a family member

   • Finances

   • Quitting smoking

   • Conflict at work

   • Meeting a deadline

   • Driving in bad weather

   • Bad news

   • And so on….

Everyone is different and have different thresholds when it comes to stress.  When quitting smoking it is important to recognize the symptoms of stress and the events that trigger stress.  Even though not all stress is bad as a smoker you may have also developed habits to smoke when encountering a positive stressful event.  Looking at both the positive and negative events that cause stress can help you prepare for those times when you will be tempted to smoke.

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Stress Management Tips after Quitting Smoking

Additional Information on how to Manage Stress

Stress after Quitting Smoking

5 Tips for Managing Stress after Quitting Smoking

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