Good one Ashley. Tell it like it is! That is one of the biggest Myths out there. But oh how many of us smokers fall for it! I hear it time and again from my pretty sister who struggles to find a relaxing moment while pulling off a career, and juggle a more than busy life, raising two little ones. Grrrrr! I hate those babies being around any smoke at all!! But she is going to try quitting again this week. I will tell her of this Mythbuster. (again)
Sorry to hear of your knee and back Workin'. Sigh! But koodos to you for recognizing that your stress level is decreased regardless. That yoga - perhaps followed by a well deserved massage - sounds very good. And good on ya.
Definitely true. My overall stress level is lower now that I am not driven by the constant need to manage nicotine levels.
I was using exercise for stress management, but my arthritic knee caught up with me and I had to do a series of injections over the course of about a month. Just as the knee got put together, I ended up doing something that put my back into spasm on New Year's. 3 massages, 1 chiropractor, and a lot of meds later, I think I might be ready for some yoga again.
Myth: I’ve got a really stressful life and smoking helps me to relax.
Fact: Smoking, in fact does the opposite. Smoking increases the stress level of the body because it raises the blood pressure and heart rate which is why you feel ‘happy’ after a cigarette. Not too mention, just knowing that you have to get up and go outside every hour for a cigarette is pretty stressful in itself. What happens on days when you are facing a long plan ride or a meeting? Millions of people have learned how to reduce stress without turning to a cigarette. What are some of things that you find helpful to reduce your stress?
