Does smoking make stress worse?

Focus on what you can control

Many people reach for a cigarette when they are feeling stressed.

But smoking does not target the real cause of stress and can even increase stress levels as smokers might worry about the impact of smoking on their health or finances.

On the other hand, quitting smoking is known to improve health and wellbeing. It can reduce the risk of certain illnesses, boost mood, lower anxiety and save money.

In the updated guidance about smoking and stress on the Stop Smoking London website, Londoners can find information about how smoking affects the body. This includes increasing the heart rate and restricting oxygen to the body and brain.

When people are feeling stressed, the most important thing they can do is focus on what they can control.

So, the guidance also contains practical tips about what to do instead of smoking when under pressure – such as going for a short walk or listening to a favourite podcast – as well as links to useful resources on the Stop Smoking London website.

Support loved ones

On Great Mental Health Day, which is organised by Thrive LDN, Londoners are encouraged to break the stigma and talk more openly about mental health and wellbeing, as well as raise awareness of the great local services available in the city all year round.

Stop Smoking London is one of those support services.

We know that quitting smoking can be hard so Londoners can choose the options that work best for them, such as the Smokefree app, local stop smoking services, and handy guides.

When times are tough, it’s important that we not only look after our own wellbeing but also support our loved ones, so the theme of this year’s Great Mental Health Day is ‘small actions for others’.

In line with this, Stop Smoking London provides a guide to supporting friends and relatives who want to quit smoking, which contains tips such as ‘Help them deal with their smoking triggers’ and ‘Celebrate their successes’.

Making London smoke free

Local authorities, directors of public health, healthcare professionals, volunteers and other London Tobacco Alliance partners are working hard to eliminate smoking in London and reduce health inequalities.

Helping Londoners to understand the relationship between smoking and stress – and the importance of having strong, supportive relationships when they are trying to quit – is an essential part of this.

Useful links

Great Mental Health Day – https://thriveldn.co.uk/great-mental-health-day-in-london/

Thrive LDN – https://thriveldn.co.uk/

Good Thinking – https://www.good-thinking.uk/stress