We all know the many health benefits that stopping smoking can bring, and I have listed them at the end of this blog too. However, the real benefits go even further than that.
We know now that smokers experience much higher rates of anxiety and depression than non-smokers.
That is because of the effect of smoking on the brain and the production of dopamine and serotonin: cigarettes create an artificial high. So, whilst the chemicals are causing havoc in your brain chemistry, this overrides the brains’ natural production of dopamine and serotonin, the two main chemicals associated with happiness, feeling good and coping well with life.
Just to make things worse, when smokers haven't had a cigarette for a while, the brain misses the high and so sends signals asking for another cigarette: a craving response, which is often accompanied by irritability and anxiety.
The mental health benefits of stopping smoking:
Stopping smoking can be as effective as antidepressants.* The biggest psychological factor of stopping smoking is that it does improve mood and reduces anxiety. According to the NHS, when people stop smoking, studies show*:
Anxiety, depression and stress levels are lower
Quality of life and positive mood improve
The dosage of some medicines used to treat mental health problems can be reduced.
Furthermore, evidence suggests the beneficial effect of stopping smoking on symptoms of anxiety and depression can equal that of taking antidepressants.
You look healthier and feel good about yourself. Your confidence increases. Your social life becomes more enjoyable as foods and drinks taste and smell much better.
You enjoy increased effectiveness and enjoyment at work, in sports and in hobbies.
Finances improve immediately and by a staggering £3,650-£4,380 per year if you smoked 20 a day in 2020.
Additional benefits of stopping smoking with hypnotherapy:
Hypnosis promotes deep calm and relaxation, making it much easier to deal with the cravings that may present themselves the first few days. In some cases, there are just no cravings or thoughts about cigarettes at all.
Hypnosis increases your levels of serotonin and dopamine, the brain chemicals linked to feelings of happiness, pleasure, motivation, and motor skills. This will keep you well on track with your health objectives.
The background anxiety about the risks of smoking disappears.
Hypnotherapy helps you to focus on your own resources and values, by making this positive change yourself you gain much in confidence and self-respect. With your increased confidence and self-control, what else will you gain?
Physical benefits of stopping smoking*
The benefits of stopping begin straight away. They are not only benefitting to your health, but also to your lifestyle, your social life and the people around you. You will notice a significant improvement to your overall quality of life.
Blood pressure returns to normal; Greatly reduced risks of cancer and heart attacks; Chest infections and colds become less frequent; Improved breathing and general fitness because your oxygen levels are recovering, and your lungs are healthier; Blood is pumping through to your heart and muscles much better. The smell of stale tobacco on clothes, hair, breath, and face goes.
*NHS data
If you would like to know more or to book a consultation for Hypnotherapy sessions online, then please fill in a contact form otherwise, you are welcome to email me directly on stephanie@embodied-heart.co.uk
€hynotherapy #quit-smoking
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