Is quitting smoking stressful? For dependant, addicted smokers, it usually is - but in many ways quitting will actually reduce your stress levels because your body won't be constantly going through withdrawal from nicotine. If you're planning to quit, remember knowledge is power! Being prepared for the symptoms you might have is helpful, and it also let's you stay in control. Regular smokers may feel dizzy or lightheaded because the body is now getting more oxygen (instead of carbon monoxide). Regular smokers will also cough more as the lungs clean out the extra mucus that forms in the lungs of smokers (as protection from the ingredients in tobacco). Withdrawal symptoms from nicotine can vary and may include headaches, mild depression and that "anxious, jumpy feeling." These symptoms should pass within a few days to a week, as the body rids itself of nicotine. Regular exercise can help tremendously to reduce the mild anxiety and mild depression caused by the nicotine withdrawal. Learning and using regular stress management techniques is an excellent way to reduce the potential stress from quitting (as well as the stress from life in general!). In addition, dependant smokers might consider using either the nicotine patch, which lets the smoker reduce their nicotine levels gradually, or the pharmaceutical, Zyban. Folks who have had a very hard time quitting in the past (or are currently having a hard time) might consider using both Zyban and the nicotine patch simultaneously. Health Services has many helpful (and easy) stress managment techniques that can be used to design your own stress managment plan. FYI - Over the next few months we'll add more stress reduction info to this webpage. Hang in there! Time will get your body back "to normal" and you'll have less stress (not to mention more time!) than when you were smoking Smokefree Home Page Why Quit? How to Be Successful at Quitting Quit Smoking Resources at Smith (Becoming a Former Smoker) Are You Facing These Rationalizations? What Actually Happens When You Smoke? Stress Management for Smokers Second Hand Smoke Strategies for Friends or Parents Who Smoke Smith College // Northampton, Massachusetts 01063 // (413) 585-2800 © 2001 - 2006 Smith College // Please send comments to: webmaster@smith.edu Page maintained by the Office of Student Affairs Last updated: April 7, 2006.