New research has revealed that, contrary to what many have believed, smoking does not relieve stress but in fact has the opposite effect. Scientists from the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in the United Kingdom observed the stress level of nearly 500 people as they tried to quit smoking after being diagnosed with a condition of heart disease.

They found that 41% of those who managed to stay smoke free a year later had significantly lower levels of stress compared to those who continued to smoke.

The researchers concluded that the smokers continued to deal with discomfort of cravings between cigarettes that would occur several times a day.

Those who were successful in quitting, on the other hand, faced initial discomfort but had greater freedom from nicotine cravings in the long term and thus had eliminated a significant source of stress.

We thank the London School of Medicine and Dentistry researchers for this study showing another detrimental aspect of smoking and that in actuality it does not relieve stress.

May we all work toward freedom from this harmful substance so that all beings can benefit from clean air and good health.

http://www.naturalnews.com/029464_smoking_stress.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/health/10real.html?_r=2