Published at 18 February, 2021 11:10.
Can we really stay smoke fee when expectations on ourselves are the greatest we will ever face and in a world where nothing seems to be the same anymore? We believe we can, and we truly believe that people have the potential within themselves even in these unusual times. Granted there will be obstacles and most of those we put there ourselves consciously or unconsciously. Do you ever hear yourself saying “it's not the right time” or “I am just too stressed”? What is it about stress and how we handle it that makes the barriers go up to stopping smoking or staying smoke-free? Stress is a barrier we create ourselves and it is how we deal with the stress in our lives that is the key. Stress can be helpful and a way to tell the body to slow down, take stock and change things in our lives that are not good for us. Stress creates the drive and adrenalin to get the job done and fuels our strive and ambition. Stress is not actually relieved by smoking and a myth that nicotine calms and relaxes us. Indeed it is the opposite and fuel to keep the stress feeling going, a stimulant like caffeine that tears through the body and brain and stimulates the chemical dopamine to be released thus creating the perception of relieving the stress.
Soon the body and brain demands more and the cycle repeats, keeping you in a self, stress-induced illusion. Finding other ways to deal with our stress is the way forward along with help and support, talking to a friend, writing a journal, adult colouring books, or the simplest of things like going for a walk. Everyone will come to a realisation of what their own method is to coping and managing stress. It may not be an epiphany or awakening but simply an awareness of something that allows you to tackle some of the other things you want to do in life like stopping smoking
Creating barriers and blocking our potential to stopping smoking is not a shortcoming, it is human nature but one that can be turned around and used to our advantage with a positive mindset, a will to want it for ourselves and a realisation that being aware of the barriers we create means we can knock them down!
There are many ways we can help:
Quit online - https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/pages/quit-online
Our online quit tool will allow you to create your own personal profile and will support you on a daily basis through your quit journey.
Telephone support - our advisors are on hand to answer any questions or provide additional support as you need it. You can call 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166.
Visit our frequently asked questions section to find out more: https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/frequently-asked-questions
