Does Smoking Relieve Stress ?

Dr. Arati Soman

Ayurvedic Physician & Head Formulator at Nisagra Herbs

An Ayurvedic and Research-Based Understanding

Many people believe that smoking relieves stress. Some say it helps them feel calm, relaxed, or less anxious — especially during periods of high work pressure or emotional situations. But does smoking really relieve stress? Let’s understand this clearly and simply.

Does smoking help relieve stress?

Yes, smoking may feel like it reduces stress for a short time.

The reason is nicotine. When a person smokes, nicotine reaches the brain quickly and releases dopamine, a chemical that gives temporary pleasure and relaxation.

So the mind feels calm for a few minutes.

But the relief does not last. After nicotine levels drop, the body goes into withdrawal. This withdrawal creates:

tension
irritation
anxiety
craving to smoke again

So the cigarette removes the stress that smoking itself caused. This creates a cycle of dependence, not real stress relief.

Does smoking reduce stress in the long term?

No. Research shows the opposite.

Scientific studies found that people who smoke regularly have higher stress levels compared to people who don’t smoke.

Smoking:

increases cortisol (stress hormone)
disturbs the nervous system
reduces natural stress-coping ability
weakens lungs, heart, and mental stability

So smoking does not solve stress. It only hides the stress temporarily.

How does smoking affect stress and anxiety according to Ayurveda?

Ayurveda says stress occurs when Prana Vata becomes disturbed. Smoking increases heat, dryness, and instability in the mind-body system, which aggravates Vata.

This leads to:

restlessness
fear and worry
disturbed sleep
weak digestion
faster aging

So from an Ayurvedic view, smoking increases stress and anxiety, not reduces it.

Does smoking relieve stress and anxiety?

Short-term: small relief
Long-term: more stress, more anxiety

Research also shows that people who quit smoking feel:

calmer
happier
less stressed
more mentally stable

This happens because the body breaks the nicotine-withdrawal cycle.

Healthy Ayurvedic Ways to Reduce Stress (Instead of Smoking)

Natural method	Why it helps
Deep breathing (Anulom-Vilom, Bhramari)	Calms the nervous system, balances Vata
Meditation & Mindfulness	Improves emotional control
Walking & light Yoga	Releases tension stored in the body
Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shankhpushpi	Supports natural stress relief and mental balance
Warm herbal tea, good sleep routine	Builds long-term resilience

These methods heal stress at its root, unlike smoking, which only gives a momentary illusion.

Conclusion

Smoking does not truly relieve stress.
It only gives short relaxation while actually increasing stress and anxiety over time.
For real stress relief, natural methods, lifestyle balance, and Ayurvedic herbs are far healthier and more effective.

Research References

Parrott, A.C. (1999) – Does cigarette smoking cause stress? Journal of Stress Medicine. Source
Steptoe, A. & Ussher, M. (2006) – Smoking, cortisol, and stress response. Psychopharmacology Journal. Source
D. Choi et al. (2015) – Does cigarette smoking relieve stress? Evidence from late positive potential (LPP). Source

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