What do your cigarettes mean to you?
Understanding why you smoke is an important step in giving up. There may be more than one reason, of course. |
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A tranquilliser
The irony of using cigarettes to calm down is that the way they act on your body makes you more tense. Nicotine, far from helping relieve stress, may actually cause it. |
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An extension of my own body
If you’re this kind of smoker, you’re probably no longer getting much satisfaction from your habit. Unlike people who smoke for pleasure, you might not miss it too much if you stopped. |
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Nicotine is a stimulant
The nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant, and it can make you feel temporarily more alert. |
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My delicious titbit
Almost two out of three smokers say they just plain enjoy smoking. When you associate smoking with ‘good times’, it can strengthen your habit further. |
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A fix
Like many smokers, you may be addicted to the nicotine in tobacco, and when you give up, you’re likely to go through a withdrawal period. This typically involves both physical symptoms (tiredness, irritability, headaches, anxiety) and an emotional need for a cigarette.
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My security blanket
Many people find the rituals involved with smoking calming and satisfying, and handle cigarettes as a way to feel less self-conscious in public. |
