How does deep breathing help me avoid smoking?

How does deep breathing help me avoid smoking?

The process of taking slow, deep breaths in and out is one of the "Six Ds" that we recommend people do when they have a craving. Drink water, distract yourself, do something else, discuss it with a friend, and do deep breathing. In deep breathing, the pattern of deep breathing stimulates changes in your brain chemistry, which you might think, "Oh, I guess they do deep breathing with yoga, and with meditation". There are lots of techniques that help people relax by doing this deep breathing accompanying behavior. That's because it actually slows down the brainwaves, makes you less excited, increases more oxygen into the system, and creates a sense of well-being. When you combine that with closing your eyes and imagining yourself in a very nice place where you like to vacation, the combination of visual imagery and relaxation through deep breathing can really limit stress levels, especially when used with other good psychological treatments for stress management and relaxation. I would encourage you to explore several of those. Have a couple of slow deep breaths and close your eyes, and try and forget the situation that's setting you off. It will really put you a long way toward not needing to have that cigarette.