With fall in full swing, you’ll notice yourself spending more time indoors—both in the office and at home. And as the work starts to pile on and the return to the office (or school) picks up, you might find yourself reaching for your trusty vape. After all, it’s been there for your late nights and your early mornings, helping you feel relaxed and alert when the deadline is right around the corner. It might even feel like your vape is the only thing carrying you through Q4.
But vaping can be embarrassing. You don’t want to vape at your desk, but heading to the bathroom feels just as juvenile. Since most Americans spend the majority of their day at work, you could end up spending eight full hours wrestling with what to do. Plus, if you have a sinking suspicion that your coworkers aren’t thrilled about your vaping habit, you’re probably right. One study found that 63.2% of office goers “were bothered by workplace vaping” and 52.1% “thought it decreased workplace productivity among non-users.” Not great for camaraderie, especially when you need to collaborate on next week’s deliverables.
Vaping can also be distracting. Instead of sitting down and entering a flow state, you might realize you’re constantly taking breaks to ward off withdrawals—restlessness, irritability, anxiety. What started as a nice break from work can quickly become a crutch, as you spend more of your day thinking about how and when to vape than on your actual work.
How does nicotine “help” us get through the work day?
If you’ve ever struggled to think through a problem without your vape, you’re not alone. Vaping whenever you feel stressed creates a strong link between your vape and your perceived productivity. This occurs because nicotine releases a surge of dopamine whenever used, producing a temporary burst of focus and energy. But those effects are fleeting. As nicotine levels drop, withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and brain fog set in. Suddenly, heading to the bathroom to vape doesn’t sound so crazy...
Vape-related anxiety can also exacerbate long standing tensions, leading to negative impacts on your “eating habits, sleeping patterns, substance use, level of anxiety/worry, and mood.” In short, you might notice you’re feeling more frustrated with your boss, worried about your performance, or just generally less patient with your coworkers. What seems like a quick fix can lead to feelings of inadequacy and irritability—the last thing you need during a hectic workday.
How does nicotine affect coworkers?
While vaping might give you a chance to take a break and relax from work, it can affect your coworkers. If you’re choosing to vape inside, your coworkers could be exposed to the chemicals in your vape juice. Studies find that “E-cigarettes also generate indoor particle concentrations similar to those produced by cigarettes, including toxic compounds such as aldehydes and heavy metals and aerosols that have potential respiratory and cardiovascular effects in humans.” Ditching your vape could ultimately benefit yourself and your cubicle neighbor. You’ll both be happier.
How do I get back to work without my vape?
Whether you’ve tried to quit or are in the process of quitting, you might find yourself still reaching for your vape whenever work gets stressful. But if you’re tired of sneaking off to the bathroom and feeling ready to power through that two hour meeting, we’re here to help. You can regain your focus and manage your cravings with the right support.
Consider, for instance, keeping track of when you most want to vape. If those Monday morning meetings had you running to your desk for your vape, consider introducing a new habit to decompress. Taking a walk, talking to a few friendly coworkers, even grabbing a cup of tea or coffee could help take your mind off of the vape. Conversely, if you realized you enjoyed celebrating the end of the work day with your vape, you might want to make other plans to look forward to, whether that’s going to happy hour, hitting a yoga class, exploring a new neighborhood. Now is a great time to invest in activities that you’ve always wanted to do.
You can also rely on us. Jones mints can help you reduce cravings in a discreet manner, without the smoke, vapor, or clunky device. Jones mints have low addictive potential, are safe for long-term use, and do not pose a cancer risk – consider this the healthiest and safest form of nicotine. Research proves that quitting cold turkey is rarely effective, and having a small nicotine mint on hand can make quitting finally feel manageable. In fact, decades of clinical research supports that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like Jones mints, more than doubles your chances of successfully quitting. And of course, community helps, too. Research shows that mobile behavioral support can increase quit rates by nearly 40%. Our digital support tools, like daily texts with motivation, habit exercises, and craving support, can help get you through your day, even during your old vape breaks.
Quitting is hard, and working can sometimes send us back to our most dedicated work spouse—our vape. But sometimes growing professionally means leaving the vape behind and moving on, on your own. And just remember, slip ups during stressful weeks are normal and don’t mean you’re back to square one. Instead, try to remember why you (and your coworkers) wanted to quit in the first place, and keep moving forward. The Jones community will be there to support you every step of the way.
