By Ashley Lewis, MPH, ATC

Stepping out for a smoke break may feel like the breather you need, but are you causing more harm than you realize? The industrial athlete’s game requires stamina and rapid recovery to meet the daily grind. You may find yourself having to meet high physical demands, quarterly numbers, or impending deadlines in challenging environments. The stress might make you feel like you need to step away to calm your nerves. If smoking is your calming modality of choice, be aware. Smoking can severely compromise your body’s ability to heal, putting you at higher risk of injury and disease.

It’s In The Blood

While it may take the edge off, smoking is literally getting under your skin, making it harder for your body to recover from wear and tear. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood, depleting your muscles’ supply. Circulation is impaired, slowing down the delivery of nutrients to areas in need of healing. Toxins inhibit collagen production, delaying wound healing.

With the healing process taking a hit, recovery from a hard day’s work slows down, potentially leading to more injuries and days missed. It could also cause recovery between strenuous tasks to be slower due to reduced lung capacity as a result of the industrial environment compounded with the effects of smoking.

A Break That Won’t Break You

If we can’t control the environment what can we do? According to the CDC 50% of the adults who’ve smoked in the last year have said that they are trying to quit. While it is easier said than done, there are beneficial habits that can help you get started:

• Your Why: Write down and continually remind yourself why you want to stop smoking
• Make a Plan: Learn your triggers and switch up your routine
• Replace or Substitute:
  • Try nicotine gum, lozenges, or sprays, a healthy snack, or mint
  • To mimic smoking, try toothpicks or straws
  • For nervous energy, try paper clips, pencils, stress balls, or other fidget toys
• Don’t Cave: “Just one” often leads to returning to your original rate of smoking
• Move: A short walk can curb cravings and help improve your mood
• Breathe: Find new ways to relax like yoga, meditation, or calming music
• Tell People: Plan your support group, whether they are people around you or online
• Ask Your Doctor: There are tobacco cessation products that your healthcare provider can recommend to help long term
• Pick a Hobby: Find something you enjoy to keep your mind and hands busy – distracting yourself will help make the ravings pass

Even though smoking might bring a calming effect to the everyday stresses of life, the negative effects far outweigh the temporary benefit. When your body needs to recover from wear and tear, smoking will only enhance it. If you’re struggling with quitting smoking, reach out to your primary medical provider for guidance.

Ashley Lewis, MPH, ATC || Ashley earned her Bachelor of Athletic Training from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and her Master of Public Health from Concordia University Nebraska. Originally from Seward, Nebraska, she enjoys spending time outdoors at the beach, hiking, and walking, and is a fan of MMA and boxing.

---

Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right!