8 Ways To De-Stress That Aren't Vaping

Vaping nicotine isn't the stress reliever you think it is and can actually make you feel worse over time. Sign up for This is Quitting from truth for quitting support and tips to relieve stress.

When you're stressed out, grabbing your vape may seem like a quick fix — and at first, it might feel like it's working. The problem? While vaping nicotine can initially feel good, those feelings won't last.

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Even worse, nicotine can rewire your brain to feel more stressed over time when it’s not getting nicotine. That stress you’re feeling might actually be a strong craving, because in addition to experiencing general life stressors, your body is in withdrawal.

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Good news! While saying goodbye to your vape isn't easy, 90% of those who do quit vaping nicotine report feeling less stressed, anxious, or depressed, according to Truth Initiative survey data. Here are This is Quitting users' best tips for dealing with stress without vaping:

1. Refocus Your Attention

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"Take some deep breaths and refocus or grab a stress ball to help relax till the craving passes."

—Brad

2. Distract Yourself

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"The times you think about it, find something else to help you cope. I cook. Do you draw? Walk? Write? Almost anything is better than vaping."

—Skeela

3. Spend Time Working Out

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"I used nicotine as a stress reliever because I lost sight of working out and my health. Think long term. Think about your body and your mind."

—Maya

4. Stay In Touch With Your Body

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"I try to keep in touch with my body rather than letting my thoughts tell me what I think I need. This means going out to get some fresh air, working out, staying hydrated with cold water, doing cold showers. Sometimes, it takes a bit of intensity to take your mind off the craving. If I need to jump into a freezing pool, I will because the craving will eventually pass."

—Alex

5. Write It Down

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"Remember that stress can be dealt with in other ways! Try meditating or even writing down what the problem is and then figure out solutions."

—Dalton

6. Keep On Going

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"Drinking coffee, doing exercise, and reminding myself of the amount of money I have saved helps me stay on track when I want a vape due to cravings/stress."

—Mac

7. Head Outside

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"If you’re stressed and you want nicotine, go outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. Try meditating. It can really help you refresh your mind."

—Lexy

8. Breath In And Out

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"I take some deep breaths and remind myself that I’m strong enough to face these feelings. And stronger than that temporary urge to hit a vape."

—Logan

truth is helping to bust the myth that vaping is a good stress reliever as part of a new campaign called Breath of Stress Air. Those looking to trade their stress air for fresh air can start by texting DITCHVAPE to 88709 to sign up for This is Quitting from truth. It’s a free, anonymous text message program that more than 425,000 others are using to leave e-cigarettes behind.

You can learn more about nicotine's impact on mental health and join young people nationwide in declaring youth vaping a mental health crisis at thetruth.com/mentalhealth2022

All quotes were provided by Truth Initiative.