Entrepreneurship is rising in the United States, thanks to a greater desire for financial control and flexibility amidst a fledgling national economy. Fast Company reports that 5 million businesses were created in 2022, up 42% from 2019. As the self-employed increase, cigarette smoking is hitting record lows: only 12% of US adults smoked cigarettes in 2022, a far cry from 45% in 1954. That said, stress is often the main reason for picking up a cigarette habit, and alarmingly, 64% of entrepreneurs say they are more stressed now than two years ago. It’s no surprise, then, that some business owners may use tobacco to relieve stress now and then. However, here’s why you should consider quitting cigarettes for good.
How smoking can hold entrepreneurs back
There’s no shortage of research on the effects of cigarette smoking on the heart and lungs. However, you may not know how smoking can impede the skills and faculties needed to be a great entrepreneur. A study published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry journal found that early-onset smokers displayed riskier decision-making behavior compared to non-smokers. As entrepreneurs, the ability to mitigate risk and make balanced decisions is vital.
Secondly, socialization and networking with clients and suppliers are critical to business success. A brief report from the Journal of Applied Gerontology found, however, that social isolation was associated with higher odds of smoking. Thirdly, entrepreneurs need financial savvy to succeed. A 2021 study of over 3,800 individuals across 48 US states found that the relationship between financial literacy and smoking behavior is significantly negative. This means financially literate people are less likely to be smokers.
Finally, the American Lung Association reports that those diagnosed with major depressive disorder are 59% more likely to be lifetime smokers. Entrepreneurs are already two times as likely to report a lifetime history of depression, with tobacco only serving to exacerbate this. Hence, it’s crucial to quit as soon as possible. Here are a few tips:
Smoking alternatives for entrepreneurs
Gone are the days when entrepreneurs would have to take several days off because of brutal nicotine withdrawal symptoms. With the smoking alternatives on the market, you could eliminate tobacco while still consuming nicotine. For entrepreneurs who value discretion, ZYN spearmint pouches do not stain or discolor your teeth, and they provide a refreshing flavor unlike the unpleasant odor of cigarettes, which could be off-putting to clients. Spearmint pouches bear a familiar flavor to menthol cigarettes, and using this variant could make it easier for smokers to quit. They’re also available in various strengths; you can start at 6mg and then taper down to 3mg as you move forward in your smoking cessation journey.
Prospective quitters may be looking for flavors that closely resemble e-cigarettes. In this case, Lucy’s Breaker nicotine pouches come in flavors like berry citrus, mint, and mango. They feature a novel pouch technology in a jewel-like capsule that releases additional flavor when broken. Because they are smokeless, you won’t have to step out for a smoke break and lose precious minutes that could go to your customers or employees.
Entrepreneurs who want to say goodbye to cigarettes must identify critical points in the day that drive them to smoke. Find other ways to relieve stress and replace old habits, such as having lunch with a colleague or doing an evening workout. You can supplement this with self-imposed rewards, therapy, and social support. By quitting smoking and prioritizing your health, you can be better equipped to make your business grow. For more on watching your health as an Entrepreneur, do read our post How To Watch Your Health While Working An Office Job.
