While we all know that cigarette smoking is injurious to health, the time of the day you choose to smoke can make it even worse.
Researchers have found that smoking in the morning can increase your chances of developing mouth and lung cancer.
Smoking in the morning is also a sign of severe addiction. Many people smoke immediately after waking up or while having their breakfast or before starting with their office work.
This habit is deadly and highly risky, especially among young smokers. It’s not “cool”, it’s a pure health hazard.
How early is too early for a cigarette?
Researchers have found that smoking within 30 minutes of waking up will make you more likely to develop mouth and lung cancer.
“We found that smokers who consume cigarettes immediately after waking have higher levels of NNAL — a metabolite of the tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK — in their blood than smokers who refrain from smoking a half hour or more after waking, regardless of how many cigarettes they smoke per day,” said Steven Branstetter, assistant professor of biobehavioral health, Penn State. The findings were published in the journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.
What gives the urge to light a smoke in the morning?
A lot of heavily addicted smokers go into withdrawal overnight. When they wake up in the morning, their blood nicotine level has fallen substantially. Their neuroreceptors prompt them to “crave” and seek that cigarette. Try to give up smoking entirely, as it comes with zero benefits and lots of risks. If you smoke in the morning, here are some times to help you let go of this habit:
Get rid of the material
Get rid of cigarettes from your room or house to make sure you do not smoke at home. Next as you step out to go to work, make sure you do not have any cigarettes or lighters in your car, pocket or bag. Try to commute with someone you know, you can help you keep a tab on your actions and prevent you from buying and lighting a cigarette. If you have company that smokes in the morning, avoid traveling with them as the temptation and sight may make it difficult for you to abstain.
Drink a glass of water
If your first habit is to reach for that cigarette, swap it with a glass of water. This will hydrate your body and the new habit will help to eventually get rid of the previous unhealthy habit.
Exercise
Another healthy habit to swap your morning cigarette with is exercise. Working out in the morning will push your mind to make healthier choices for the rest of the day. Physical activity may also help to increase the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins.
