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Find out Why the Best Way to Stop Smoking is Meditation

By Operation-Meditation

Researchers have found that tobacco addiction is one of the hardest habits to kick. So, you want to quit smoking, and you’ve tried everything. The point of meditation is that it allows you to be fully aware of your thoughts and feelings during a given moment. You smoke because it is giving you something to do for that moment of time. Meditation is not a miracle cure but many have discovered that it can help you start to cut down and eventually rid yourself of this nasty practice. Find out how meditation will leave you better equipped to resolve this problem.

What does meditation do to help with smoking cessation?

Meditation relieves stress and anxiety, affects the ability of the brain to make physiological changes, increases the gray and white brain matter that is involved with processing information, and it helps you be a better communicator. The body chemicals also are altered from meditation. Endorphins are types of neurotransmitters that are necessary for pain relief. Meditation boost endorphins to reduce blood pressure and give you a sense of well-being. Another benefit of meditation is that it enhances GABA release. This substance has been found to be in low levels in those who suffer addiction. By boosting GABA, meditation helps with smoking addiction. This is one reason the best way to stop smoking is meditation.

Is there anything I should do before I start?

The first thing to do before meditating is to be aware of your smoking addiction. This is the first step to being smoke-free. You should do this before you begin to meditate. Find a quiet room where no one else goes and designate that area for your meditation. Get a cushion and place it in the center of the room. Now you are ready to begin your meditating.

Five Steps to a Smoke-Free Life

Step 1 – Tell your family and friends that you do not want to be disturbed for around 30 minutes. Turn off your phone, make sure the lights are low, and light some aromatherapy candles. Create your soothing environment with the pleasant smells you favor.

Step 2 – Make sure you are wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Avoid constrictive belts, shirt buttons, and tight elastic waistbands. Place a mat or blanket on the floor to provide you with a comfortable seating place.

Step 3 – Put your hands on your abdominal area and close your eyes softly. Focus on taking slow, soothing deep breaths. Notice the natural flow of your breathing, and gradually lengthen your inhalations and exhalations. Do this mindful breathing technique for around 10 minutes. You will find that your entire body becomes relaxed, and you will not have the urge to smoke.

Step 4 – Now you are ready to begin the body scan method. This useful technique should be practiced whenever you have a cigarette craving. Start with your feet and proceed up your body, devoting all of your thoughts and sensations to one particular section of your being.

Step 5 – Create a mental image of yourself as a nonsmoker. Think about clear lungs, easy breathing, no coughing, and low blood pressure. Try to sense what it would be like to no longer crave a cigarette. Use this visualization exercise to mentally prepare you for your nonsmoking lifestyle.

What are the other emotional benefits of meditation?

There are many emotional benefits of mediation. Not only is this the best way to stop smoking, mediation boosts DHEA. This is the chemical that alleviates depression, provides strong support for your immune system, and enhances memory. Another brain chemical affected by meditation is melatonin. This substance is a powerful antioxidant that relieves stress and anxiety, restoring balance to your body. Finally, meditation enhances serotonin, the chemical known for depression relief.

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