SolveYourProblem eLearning Series: Smoking
I'd Rather Not Die From Smoking
Learn The Harmful Effects & Quit Smoking Now
( 27 pages )

Control The Urge To Smoke:
Try Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises too can prove to be helpful in controlling the urge to smoke. It is common knowledge that the human body takes in a lot of toxic substances, both through the air and through food and drinks. Apart from this, various toxins are also released in the body as a result of the various processes that are going on. These toxins have to be released on a continuous basis or else they will accumulate in the body with serious results.

One of the best ways of releasing these toxins is by means of exhaling while breathing. One funny fact is that most of us do not breathe properly. Picture this: with each breath that we take, we take in oxygen. This oxygen is carried by the blood to every cell of the body and every cell must get enough oxygen not just to survive, but to remain healthy as well.

So, it is imperative that we make an honest attempt to breathe properly. But first, we have to make sure that we are breathing in unpolluted air. The best time for breathing exercises is early in the morning when the air is comparatively unpolluted. Here is what you have to do: sit comfortably so that there is no strain on any part of your body. It is not imperative that you close your eyes, but I have always noticed this exercise works better when your eyes are closed.

When you are ready, what you have to do is to breathe in deeply and slowly, and feel the fresh air filling up your lungs until they just can’t take anymore. Conjure up images of the air encircling throughout your body and reaching every cell, literally bathing it with oxygen. Of course it doesn’t happen that way but the image helps a lot. Then hold your breath for a few seconds and then very slowly exhale letting out all that foul air.

Again conjure up an image of all the toxins being released from your body. Every cell has become free of the burden it was carrying. Now pause for a second or two and again breathe in deeply, slowly letting your lungs fill up with all that good, clean, rejuvenating air. Repeat this exercise at least ten times and take your time. Take care not to rush through.

When you have done that part of the exercise, it is time for the second part. Again sit with your eyes closed, but this time, keep one nostril closed with the help of your index finger. It is best to close the right nostril first and that too with your right index finger. Now breathe in deeply and slowly through your left nostril keeping the right nostril closed. When you have held air for a second or two, release your right nostril and breathe out through it.

While you are breathing out, conjure up an image of all the toxins being released form your head and your brain especially. As you breathe in, conjure up images of the clean air circulating thoughout your brain and freeing it of all your worries and trouble.

Repeat this exercise with the other nostril closed and in this way alternate between the nostrils at least ten times. The entire breathing exercise need not take more than ten minutes. But you will be surprised at how lighthearted and free you will feel after the exercise. Once you have practiced it for three or four mornings, you will be in a position to do the exercise each time you get the urge to smoke. This breathing exercise can easily become a substitute for the urge to take in that hourly dose of nicotine.

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