Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : For anyone who has tried to quit smoking, the battle is notoriously difficult. It's a fight against not just physical nicotine addiction but also deep-seated psychological habits and cravings often triggered by stress. While patches and gum are common aids, a growing body of research suggests an ancient practice could be a powerful, holistic tool in this fight: yoga.
So, can rolling out a yoga mat really help you stub out the cigarettes for good? Scientific evidence says yes.
A significant study published in the Journal of Women’s Health explored this very question. Researchers divided a group of women who wanted to quit smoking into two. Both groups participated in a standard smoking cessation program. However, one group also attended twice-weekly sessions of Vinyasa-style yoga.
The results were striking. By the end of the 8-week program, 54% of the women in the yoga group had successfully quit smoking, compared to only 19% in the group that did not practice yoga. Furthermore, the yoga participants reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and stress, and the positive effects were still evident at a six-month follow-up.
How Yoga Fights the Urge to Smoke
Yoga's effectiveness isn't magic; it works by tackling the root causes that keep people hooked on nicotine.
Stress and Anxiety Management: Many people smoke to cope with stress. Yoga, with its combination of physical postures and calming meditation, provides a healthy and effective alternative to manage anxiety and calm the nervous system.
Mindful Awareness: Yoga teaches you to be more aware of your body and thoughts. This heightened self-awareness helps you recognize a craving as it arises, giving you a crucial moment to pause and choose not to act on it, rather than reaching for a cigarette automatically.
The Power of Breath (Pranayama): This is a key weapon. Deep breathing exercises common in yoga can mimic the physical sensation of a deep inhale and exhale from smoking, satisfying part of the ritual. More importantly, controlled breathing directly soothes the nervous system, helping to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the intensity of cravings.
Building a Healthy Routine: Quitting an old habit is easier when you replace it with a new, positive one. Committing to a regular yoga practice provides structure and a sense of accomplishment, shifting your focus toward health and well-being.
As we celebrate International Yoga Day, it’s a reminder that yoga is more than just a physical workout. It's a powerful mind-body discipline that offers tangible, evidence-backed benefits for overcoming addiction and building a healthier life.
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