There are lots of people who are fond of smoking, despite the known bad effects for their health and body. According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), present-day cigarette smoking was higher among approximately 17 of every 100 persons aged 18-24 years (16.7%), 20 of every 100 persons aged 25-44 years (20.0%), and 18 of every 100 persons aged 45-64 years than those approximately 9 of every 100 persons aged 65 years and older. Regardless of your age cigarette smoking will bring no good to you and your health, but why does there are still avid smokers and their number gets higher every year?
Smoking is a habit that is very hard to break. There are people who have tried to quit but find their selves going back to cigarettes because of strong smoking addiction. Some start smoking when they are young and eventually become addicted by the time they reached their old age. These are some of the main reasons why people smoke.
For young people, they smoke to experiment, to act like their friends or to look mature. Teens who usually grow up with relatives or parents, who are smokers, smoke to act mature. They may also feel pressured into smoking to be accepted by their peers or friends while some teens are challenged in doing something that is prohibited.
For adults, some have lots of pressures and stress due to personal or economic problems. Some are working or not employed and not providing enough money to cover the needs of their families. Some are in bad relationships or marriages wherein there is verbal or physical abuse. Some are experiencing a heroin/cocaine or alcohol addictions or maybe some are wandering. All these people smoke to feel relieved while experiencing a difficult time.
Whatever the reasons may be, smoking is very dangerous. It may give you relief from all the pressures and stress but it is just temporary. You still have control over your emotions, thoughts, lifestyle and the way you deal with problems no matter how helpless you are in facing the stress. Stress management requires enthusiasm in changing the stressful situation, handling your emotion or reaction, making time for relaxation and rest from the noisy environment and also, in making time for yourself. If you can identify what brings stress to your life, you can probably avoid smoking.
To identify your real root of stress, give emphasis at your attitude, excuses, and habits. If it is a bad habit, try to avoid it by learning healthier ways to handle stress. One of these ways is to involve you in a physical activity. It plays an important role in preventing and reducing the effects of stress. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym or be an athlete to experience the benefits. Just look for any type of physical activity which can help reduce stress and keep away frustration, anger or tension. Workout releases endorphins that can serve as a helpful distraction to your everyday worries and make your feel good.
