Smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.  If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day, you’re 6 times more likely to have a stroke than a non-smoker. It also doubles your risk of having a heart attack, and 1 in 4 long-term smokers will develop the chest condition COPD.

Research has shown that smoking actually increases anxiety and tension. Nicotine creates an immediate sense of relaxation, so people smoke in the belief it reduces stress and anxiety. This feeling is temporary and soon gives way to withdrawal symptoms and increased cravings. Smoking reduces withdrawal symptoms but doesn’t reduce anxiety or deal with the reasons someone may feel that way.