News: Quit this bad habit to boost your mood

In a bad mood? You may think it’s the endless winter weather, the lack of fresh produce this time of

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In a bad mood? You may think it’s the endless winter weather, the lack of fresh produce this time of year or just a general slump – but if you’re a smoker, your bad habit could be to blame.

A recent study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that quitting smoking has a significant positive affect on people’s moods.

While you may think that having a cigarette calms your nerves and helps with anxiety, it actually has the opposite affect.

“Smoking cessation is associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and stress and improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke,” the study’s authors wrote.

So, there you have it. If you’re in a bad mood this winter, try using that as a catalyst for change – and kick your bad habit for good.

Do you or have you ever smoked? What strategies have you found useful to help you quit?

-Katharine Watts, associate web editor

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