Perhaps the best way to handle this addiction is to find the root cause, and start there. Most people say they smoke to help their stress levels, when ironically smoking actually increases stress. The chemicals released while smoking do temporarily decrease anxiety, but do not provide long-term relief for what causes the anxiety. Which is why managing stress effectively should happen before the smoker begins to quit; to better manage the side effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years, but only recently has the West begun to recognize its many benefits. Of course, those who have been in regular practice for a while are probably nodding their heads and taking notice in a big way. Better late than never, as they say.
How can yoga help somebody who wants to quit smoking? To start, it increases lung capacity, and allows the smoker to realize what they are missing when they start taking those deep, yogic breaths. Yoga has also been proven to reduce stress, which will aid a person tremendously when the withdrawal symptoms begin. Instead of reaching for a cigarette, a series of breathing and stretching techniques can be done to overcome the urge.
Yoga stimulates the immune system, something a person who is quitting smoking especially needs, as the damaged tissues in the body begin to heal. Many people experience weight gain as they quit, and yoga can help them to manage their weight, as well as increase strength and flexibility.
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