May 31st – World Tobacco Day

World Health Organisation celebrates Anti-Tobacco Day, also known world No Tobacco Day, on May 31 every year.

Smoking is an addiction and has been linked to several diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease,  and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Inspite of the health warning written on the packet that Smoking Kills;  people continue to smoke recklessly.

As reported by the Business Standard , “Tobacco consumption remains a major issue as even minors were getting addicted to it. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), nearly one-fifth of children aged 13-15 years are using tobacco products in India.

The survey revealed that 38 per cent of cigarettes, 47 per cent of bidi and 52 per cent of smokeless tobacco users have picked up the habit before their 10th birthday.”

Tobacco smoke emits harmful gases and chemical substances, in which nicotine and tar are prominent. In all, 70 chemical substances have been found to be carcinogenic but these facts are ignored by those consuming tobacco. Throat Cancer, Lung Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Heart Attack are some of the ill effects.  Research proves that smoking increases the risk of more than 12 types of cancers in humans.

More than 12 lakh people die of this disease every year. Smoking temporarily helps a person in a moment of stress to feel light and in control. Even women have taken to smoking in a big way in he urban cities.

Effect of Smoking on Women Reproductive Health

As reported by www.ndtv.com Smoking leads to hormonal imbalance in women. Chemicals in found in tobacco products such as cigarettes disrupt the function of glands responsible for reproductive hormones; this includes the thyroid, hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

This disruption increases the levels of stress hormone called cortisol and the male hormone, testosterone, in females; spike in cortisol and testosterone have been linked to female infertility.

Hormonal imbalance caused by smoking is widely known to contribute to ovarian and menstrual cycle disorders.

So, how does one quit this habit? We at Yogfit.in  strongly believe that the practice of Yoga can help you get rid of this bad habit.

Smoking causes hormonal imbalance and reproductive issues in women

Its challenging to quit Smoking..

 Since is a mindless habit, many smokers fail to give up the habit. Also, many never really make up their mind to quit smoking as they enjoy it. Once you decide to cut down on the number of cigarettes or give it up completely, we think Yoga can help.

Yoga is the solution

First and foremost, you can give up smoking only when you and only you decide to do it. Yoga is not just an exercise, but a `union of mind and body.’ With Pranadharna and Mindfulness techniques, we can focus on breath control. Yoga can  empower an individual to focus on their health, and breathing fresh oxygen; so the desire to smoke will disappear.

Yoga, if done correctly, along with meditation means living in a state of consciousness. Our  senses no more control us rather we are in command of our senses that create desires and addictions.

Yoga and Thought Control

If you are into fitness and Yoga then smoking becomes a `oxymoron’ so to speak. Asanas and Pranayama are powerful ways that keep us fit and contribute to our overall physical and mental wellness.  Yoga that helps us discipline our mind, and control our inner chatter and thoughts.

When we go into an asana and practice, breathing we experience silence,  peace and tranquility. Once we are in control of our thoughts, we don’t crave for anything and thus we don’t become a slave.