4 Healthier Ways to Cope With Anxiety Without Tobacco
Times have changed and the idea that tobacco smoking provides stress relief has already been debunked. However, some people still resort to cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco “alternatives” to cope with anxiety. The problem lies in the fact that such individuals treat their addiction as the only method of keeping themselves composed regardless of the long-term effects that these products help develop.
The reality is that there are healthier methods that can replace tobacco as a coping mechanism. These often present no additional mental or physical risks that alternatives such as vaping and dipping bring.
While abandoning tobacco dependence is a process that can never be achieved overnight, introducing healthier methods gradually can ease the transition and lead to a diminished desire to consume related products. If you or someone you know struggle with tobacco consumption as a form of anxiety relief, consider this list of healthier alternatives;
1. Reach out to a support system
It’s always impossible to overcome tobacco addiction on your own. No matter how mature and rational you believe yourself to be, you can’t simply overcome the problem through sheer will alone. You often need the support of others who have gone through the same problem at some point in their lives. Reach out to friends and family members who successfully abandoned their habit and see if you could have them as your mentors.
It also helps if you could join small groups where you can look for accountability partners who will put you back on the right track. You may even share health coping mechanisms for anxiety as you go along knowing that you’re never alone in your journey towards better physical and mental wellness.
There’s no better support system than what we’ve built right here at KillTheCan.org – check out our Discord Server or join us on social media (Facebook | Twitter X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Rumble)
2. Look towards herbal sources
It may seem difficult at first to transition from tobacco to safer herbal alternatives for anxiety relief but you just have to take your time. Herbs like chamomile and lavender might not sit well with most people who are used to cigarettes and coffee as coping mechanisms but these are known to possess stress-relieving properties that are more effective than caffeine and, more so, tobacco. Consider replacing your afternoon coffee and tobacco sessions with a hot cup of chamomile tea.
If that’s not possible, consider getting clearance for using cannabis, especially if you’re diagnosed with chronic anxiety which only worsens your nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The substance could provide a safer and more potent way to deal with stress, so reach out to nearby dispensaries like JARS Cannabis Monroe, Michigan, and shop around for products that align with your needs without amplifying your tobacco dependence.
3. Document your journey
Doing away with an addiction requires a clear understanding of your motivations for doing so and how you’re feeling throughout the experience. If you’re a heavy smoker, it helps if you could set goals for yourself, identify your triggers, and document your urges as you try to control them.
Keep a journal where you can jot down the things that made you anxious each day as well as the times you are tempted to smoke a cigarette or chew on nicotine gum. It may seem simple on the surface but keeping a careful record of your urges can help you become more aware of your actions.
4. Take good care of your mind and body
It pays to know that anxiety can never be solved no matter the packs of cigarettes you smoke in a day. Your habit can only amplify the effects of anxiety on your mind and body. The only way you can fight these effects is by bolstering your defenses. Regular exercise not only improves cardiovascular functions but also improves your mood and reduces the long-term effects of stress on your mind and body.
Mentally stimulating activities like playing chess and reading a good book can help put you at ease, allowing you to manage anxiety effectively. As you commit to these activities as part of your daily habit, it becomes easier to forget about tobacco as your only coping mechanism.
Endnote – Stress and Anxiety
To cope with stress, you can’t rely on tobacco which only worsens it. Make time to develop healthy habits and lead your mind and body toward true and risk-free wellness.
