It is important to have Stress awareness. To learn of the causes and ways you can help manage your stress. One thing to avoid for less stress is nicotine. Tobacco & Vaping use has been linked to increasing anxiety, depression & stress. Research shows when tobacco users quit tobacco, they experience a decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression.

Sieda’s Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Lisa McConnell provides education across many of our counties to spread the dangers of tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and vaping.

Lisa shares, “Smokers often have a cigarette either during or immediately after a stressful event or situation. The act of smoking and the rituals associated with it seem to relieve stress temporarily. It leads them to believe smoking actually reduces stress levels. In fact, the only things they are alleviating are the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine. The more nicotine people put into their bodies, the more they need to feel normal. Because smokers use cigarettes to relieve stress, they begin to lose their ability to actually cope with stress. After a while, their answer for everything is smoking a cigarette instead of dealing with the underlying issues. Coping with stress is a mental skill. If people don’t use it, they lose it.”

Some tips to a successful quit attempt include having a quit plan set-up that works for you. The Quitline of Iowa can help adults or youth set-up a personal quit plan & provide support for you every-step of way. Reach-out & get expert advice & tips. Lisa recommends Quitline Iowa to get free support and counseling from experienced Quitline Iowa coaches. Contact Quitline Iowa directly at 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help quitting.

Lisa provides classes and talks to a variety of groups please contact her at 641-683-6747.