Thanks for your comment and question.

I do think that just breathing can be relaxing. This is to do with the relaxing and activating sides of our nervous system. When we are active (in fight-fright-flight mode) our breathing is rapid and shallow. To breathe deeply can help us slip into relaxation mode (so long as we are not too upset).

As to smoking. There is the addiction aspect – the lift and the drop afterwards are quite quick – so it is quite addictive. It does give people the chance to breathe deeply. It also functions in other ways – it is the only way some people have of taking time out and giving themselves a break. So smoking I think is social and emotional as well as physical.

I think to stop smoking (or any other addiction) people need to get what smoking does for them in some other way. Breathing deeply is one simple thing.

As to ways of doing it that don’t feel silly, it depends on the situation. In some places it would be OK to call it meditation. In other places it would be OK to say you were on a fitness kick and go for a quick walk. With loved ones it may be OK to ask for a hug and breathe deeply during the hug. These are just a few ideas.

Please get back if you would like to pursue this some more.

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I hope this response is useful.