Smoking & Stress: How Quitting Can Improve Your Mental Health
Many people believe that smoking helps reduce stress. It is a common reason people give for lighting up, especially in difficult moments. But the reality is quite different.
While smoking might feel like it calms you down, it increases stress over time. Nicotine gives your body a temporary boost, but once that wears off, withdrawal symptoms set in, leaving you feeling irritable, anxious or low in energy. This can create a stressful cycle that is hard to break.
By quitting, you give your body the chance to reset. After just a few weeks without cigarettes, most people report improved mood, better sleep, and lower levels of anxiety. You also gain a sense of control and confidence, knowing you are doing something positive for your health.
How to cope with stress without smoking
At Healthy Hounslow, we support people to find healthier ways to manage stress, without turning to cigarettes. Here are a few practical techniques to try:
- Step away from whatever is causing the stress and give yourself a moment
- Try deep breathing or the 5-4-3-2-1 method to ground yourself
- Keep water, gum or a stress ball nearby as a physical distraction
- Go for a short walk to clear your head
- Talk to a friend or contact our support team – having someone to speak to makes a big difference
You might also find it helpful to build small moments of calm into your day, such as listening to music, stretching, or taking five minutes for yourself. These small steps all contribute to your wider wellbeing and reduce your reliance on cigarettes during stressful times.
Support that works for you
Quitting smoking is a personal journey, and no two people are the same. That is why we offer flexible, tailored support to help you succeed. With Healthy Hounslow, you can access:
- Free NRT for up to 12 weeks
- One-to-one behavioural support
- Telephone or face-to-face appointments
- Tools and strategies to manage stress and cravings
Whether this is your first attempt or your fifth, we are here to support you without judgment. It is never too late to quit, and every attempt brings you closer to success.
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Fill out our quick online form at www.healthyhounslow.co.uk to get started. It only takes a few minutes and helps us match you with the right support.
You can also speak to our team by calling 0204 559 8200.
And for more encouragement, wellbeing tips, and updates on where to find us in the community, follow us on social media. We are with you every step of the way.
