Smoking appears to be the most difficult addiction to overcome, requiring tremendous effort, but research has shown that it is possible for people who have quit smoking and alcohol and have not returned to it for several years.

Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, improves the brain’s ability to produce physiological changes, boosts gray and white neurons involved in information processing, and makes you a better communicator. Meditation additionally changes the molecules in the body. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are required for reducing pain. Meditation increases endorphins, which lowers blood pressure and gives you a sense of well-being. Another advantage of meditation is that it increases GABA release. The substance has been reported to be present in low quantities in addicts. Meditation improves in the treatment of smoking addiction by increasing GABA levels.

[Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in your brain. It slows down your brain by blocking specific signals in your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord). GABA is known for producing a calming effect.]

Few quick tips for meditation:

The very first step before beginning to meditate is to become conscious of your smoking addiction. Let your family, friends know that you are quitting smoking.

• Find a quiet space where nobody else goes and dedicate it for meditation.
• Turn off your mobile phone so that you do not get distracted during meditation.
• You may reduce the room lights and lit up some aromatherapy candles which would create a calm and pleasant space.
• Place a mat, blanket, or a cushion on the floor to provide you with a comfortable seating place. In case you do not find convenient sitting on floor, you may sit on a chair, couch, or bed. Make sure there’s side support and, most importantly, that that you’re comfortable being there.
• Put on loose-fitting, comfy clothing. Avoid wearing tight waist belts.
• Close your eyes and focus on your breathing the natural flow inhalations, and exhalations. Continue until your entire body becomes relaxed.
• Now, you may play any guided meditations of your choice – suggestive link* (body scan)
• With easy breathing visualize yourself as a non-smoker, having healthy lungs, no blood pressure. This will help you to prepare for nonsmoking lifestyle.

There are many emotional benefits of mediation. Not only is this the best way to stop smoking, mediation boosts DHEA. This is the chemical that improves depression, provides strong support for your immune system, and enhances memory. This substance is a powerful antioxidant that relieves stress and anxiety, restoring balance to your body.

[Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.]