Smoking habits are challenging behaviours to disrupt or break all together. At the same time, in a study published in the journal Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, a brief mindfulness practice initiated the reduction of the smoking behaviour up to 60 percent. Participants undergoing just relaxation activity did not register any reduction. Brain scans have shown that mindfulness practice increases the activity in prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate, the areas involved in self-control. Other studies have suggested similar success in breaking addictive behaviours. For example, a study indicated that a short meditation practice was able to reduce alcohol intake for at risk drinkers. Read More about this topic.
Available evidence is indicating that unconventional ways of breaking smoking habits may be part of future interventions and a new hope for the individuals who have been disappointed with standrad practices.
In a recent research published in the Journal of American Cardiology, people with sunnier dispositions are not only protected against sudden cardiac events, but also have better sense of well-being. Cultivating cheerful disposition may not be easy but if the latest research on neuro-plasticity is to be believed, one can work on enhancing it.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Acceptance Predicts Satisfaction in Later Life
Just like the serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr, a recent research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies has found that accepting things as they are, especially when nothing can be done about them, contribute to better sense of satisfaction and happiness.
