There are many good reasons to quit smoking. Smokers know it all: nicotine is toxic to our bodies and also harms our environment. Unfortunately, the path to becoming a non-smoker is anything but easy. Our bodies and minds are dependent on the little happiness-boosters that cigarettes make us suffer greatly during withdrawal. Yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation can help you on your path to becoming a permanent non-smoker.
Are you a smoker and wondering how it works? We'll tell you in our article! With regular practice, yoga and breathing techniques can help you live a cigarette-free life and increase your life energy (prana).
Why it is so difficult to quit smoking
Many smokers have already made several attempts to quit smoking. Very few succeed on the first try, by the way. So don't get frustrated if it takes several attempts. Be patient with yourself and work on your motivation. Physical withdrawal from nicotine lasts about four to six weeks for humans. But the worst is actually over after just a few days. Then it's important to tackle the psychological dependence and stay strong.
The right mindset for successful smoking cessation
Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking knows how strong a smoker's willpower must be to actually resist cigarettes. It becomes particularly difficult during an emotionally stressful phase. All of your life energy (prana) is directed toward managing the stress. This doesn't leave much room for the additional stress of quitting smoking. Therefore, it's best to start your life without cigarettes when you feel mentally and physically capable.
Mantras are a great way to program your mind to say "I don't need any more cigarettes." Invent your own mantra or choose one of these five. If it helps, you can also repeat the mantra with a mala necklace .
Mantras for smokers who declare war on cigarettes:
• I can do anything.
• My breath is fresh.
• I love fresh air.
• I am good to myself.
• My lungs breathe clean air.
Yoga for a smoke-free life
The great thing is that yoga and meditation have a similar effect on our bodies as smoking. At least when it comes to the reward system. After the physical exercises, we feel balanced, in a good mood, relaxed, and fit. A regular yoga practice strengthens self-confidence and the soul. Willpower is also strengthened. You can incorporate your previously chosen mantra into your yoga routine to train your mind and create a positive attitude toward the word "smoke-free." This will solidify the idea of quitting smoking and penetrate your subconscious.
Pranayama for powerful lungs
Breathing exercises are a wonderful way to strengthen your lungs and begin a smoke-free life. Pranayama exercises utilize the healing power of breathing and are an important part of yoga. They work in a variety of ways. Alternate nostril breathing, for example, is particularly popular and well-known. There are breathing exercises that have calming or stimulating effects. Detoxifying exercises that stimulate the metabolism are ideal for quitting smoking.
Regular practice, practice, and more practice is important! Only then will you internalize the breathing techniques and feel the positive effects of this special form of breathing.
Asanas and Pranayama exercises to help you quit smoking
Say goodbye to cigarettes and addictive nicotine! Use your body and your breath to successfully quit smoking. We've put together three exercises that can support you on your journey to becoming a non-smoker.
Exercise 1: Kapalabhati Pranayama - Fire Breathing
Kapalabhati Pranayama is one of the activating breathing techniques in yoga. In contrast to the calmer alternate nostril breathing, this breathing exercise boosts your metabolism and has a cleansing and stimulating effect. Sit relaxed on your yoga mat , ideally in the lotus position. Try to sit as upright as possible. Now close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Breathe in evenly through your nose and fill your lungs with as much air as possible. Now breathe out through your nose firmly and with good pressure. As you breathe out, try to hiss. Try to repeat the breathing exercise 20 times. You will quickly feel the invigorating effect of this breathing technique. Important information about the Kapalabhati breathing exercise can be found here .
Exercise 2: Trikonasana - Triangle Pose
With the triangle pose , you're doing something particularly good for your back and the organs in your lower abdomen. The lateral stretch with stretched back muscles also stretches the lungs, allowing your breathing to flow more freely.
For this asana, stand upright on your yoga mat . Your legs should be about one leg's length apart. Now, turn your right leg out to a 90° angle. Look forward and breathe in and out consciously. As you inhale, stretch your arms out parallel to the floor. As you exhale, try to bend your upper body further forward. Be careful not to arch your back. Now, move your right arm toward your foot. Stretch your other hand upward. Try to hold this asana for at least 7 deep breaths.
Exercise 3: Surya Namaskar - Sun Salutation
This asana is a must-have for any yoga class. With the Sun Salutation, you activate your mind, body, and soul equally. This exercise engages the entire body from head to toe. It stretches, warms, and strengthens. The Sun Salutation consists of a specific sequence of 12 individual steps. You definitely won't have time to think about smoking.
In our article "The Sun Salutation: More Light and Energy for Your Life," you'll learn how the yoga exercise works and what's behind it.
What else will help you on your way to becoming a non-smoker
Besides yoga and meditation, there are of course other ways to overcome your nicotine addiction and become a non-smoker. Quitting smoking is no easy task, especially for long-term and heavy smokers. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be severe, making the temptation to simply smoke the next cigarette all the more tempting. Nicotine replacement therapy can also help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Other options for quitting smoking:
• Nicotine replacement products, such as chewing gum or patches
• Acupuncture
• E-cigarettes
• Distraction through exercise in the fresh air
• Group behavior therapy
• Hypnotherapy
Smoking cessation courses are often covered by health insurance. It's definitely worth asking if and what kind of courses and aids are offered. Perhaps there's even a yoga course covered by your insurance!
We wish you every success in becoming part of the “former smokers’ club” soon.
Are you a smoker and want to try quitting smoking with yoga and meditation? Or have you already successfully become a non-smoker through yoga? Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments!
