How do I relieve my stress without smoking Black & Milds?

Question

I've been a smoker for about 3 years now. I got the idea from a cousin who told me that black & mild relieves stress...and you know, when it comes to stress..I'm no stranger.

But as I been smokin, it has shocked and upset a lot of people including my family and other people that I know. My mom would talk about how smoking affected my grandmother (who's been deceased for 6 years now) and i should learn from her condition. People are constantly telling me that smoking is bad for me and since I'm young & dumb, I don't pay them no mind.

Soon enough, it kind of backfired on me. Back in May, I had this phlegm that I just couldn't get rid of and I thought I was having a cold. I went to the doctor, and they told me that I had bronchitis. I know that it's not that serious, but when I told my parents, they were still disapointed. My father started complaining, telling me that I'm much too young to suffer through these diseases. Doctors prescribed me with some medicine and pretty soon, I was healed.

But the thing is...I haven't quit smoking....

I would like to quit smoking, but it's hard. Smoking blacks kind of soothes me and relaxes me when i'm mad, upset, frustrated, worried or stressed out. Nothing feels better than leaving that hot job im working in, get in my car and smoke my stress away as i listen to the radio. But honestly, i think it's about time for me to stop and think about what I'm doing to my health.

I just got a job working for the Board of Education (food service) and I believe that's one of the reasons why I want to quit smoking. Even though, it's been three years, still my family, even myself just can't believe I smoke. By judging the kind of personality I got, you wouldn't think I would ever do something like that.

Could someone please tell me how to relieve stress without smoking? Life is a b--tch but for some strange reason, I still don't wanna die! LOL

But on a serious note, any information would help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Exercise can be a huge stress reliever.  Running - especially.  And, it is healthy.  :)

Yoga and meditation are huge stress relievers too.  Try signing up for a class and see what you think.

Answer 2

d**n, I wish I knew what to tell you, but I stopped smoking cigarettes and now stress is driving me crazy. I do know this -- the longer you go without smoking the less stressed-out you'll feel when you don't smoke -- some of the stress is due to addiction. I've heard that it takes 4 months to a year for your stress levels to return to normal after you've stopped, though the worst of it is over in the first weeks and months.