(BLOOMINGTON) – People worldwide have found their stress levels rising during the past year, but cigarettes aren’t the answer to this problem.
“I’ve known many people who say smoking is a way they deal with anxiety and stress,” said IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Patricia Colon, MPH, CHES. “The truth is, smoking can make stress and anxiety worse. It’s best to find healthier ways to deal with these issues.”
Exercise, eating healthy, cutting back or giving up caffeine, talking to someone, and taking a few slow, deep breaths are just some ways to handle stress. The goal is to find what healthy practices work for you in the long-run.
Tobacco products are a short-term release. Over time, they can make stress worse due to addiction and health issues, including cancer.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your mental and physical health concerns. They can help on your journey to tobacco cessation while addressing these issues.
“Quitting with the assistance of a professional can be very helpful,” said Colon. “The road to tobacco cessation is different for everyone. But your healthcare provider can help increase your odds of succeeding.”
People trying to quit are also encouraged to use the Indiana Tobacco Quitline. It’s available seven-days- a-week in more than 170 languages. Call 1.800.QUIT.NOW to speak to a trained quit coach.
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