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The dangers of smoking are well known to many people, but for smokers to quit it is not easy. Maybe you have tried various ways but never succeeded. Research shows that it turns out that exercise can be a great way to quit smoking. So, what kind of exercise should you do to stop smoking? Check out the reviews below.
How exercise helps you quit smoking
Dr. Alexis Bailey, senior lecturer in neuropharmacology at the University of St. George in London, England, conducted a study whose results were published in the British Journal of Pharmacology.
Exercise helps your body adapt to new conditions. Smoking is an addiction, which makes your body need nicotine regularly to live your daily life.
Well, this study shows that exercise can reduce nicotine dependence in humans. This is because regular exercise is able to prevent the various effects of quitting smoking (nicotine withdrawal) that usually arise and shake your intention to stop smoking.
In addition, exercise can have several positive effects on your body, namely:
- Suppress hunger. Although usually after exercise you will feel hungry to replace lost body energy, research says that you will choose food wisely in such conditions.
- Limit weight gain. Many people use the excuse that smoking is to lose weight, but with exercise you will lose weight.
- Reduces stress. Cigarettes can also be a form of your escape from the stress you are experiencing. However, exercise also provides benefits in reducing stress.
Tips for starting exercise to quit smoking
Follow these tips to get started exercising easily.
- Set aside regular time for exercise, find a time that is suitable and makes you comfortable.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day per week.
- Make exercise a priority, and insert it into your schedule. If you can't spare the recommended 30 minutes, you can exercise for 10 minutes each day.
- Choose a sport you like. For example cycling, swimming, running, yoga, or others. Take it easy, almost all types of exercise will help your efforts to quit smoking.
- Start slowly, then increase the intensity or time of exercise.
- You can take exercise classes to keep your exercise schedule regular and routine.
- Invite your family, friends, or partner to exercise together so that you stay motivated and don't get bored quickly.
If you are confused about where to start, you can try walking. Take a walk at lunch or after dinner, can be the right choice of exercise time. Then, gradually increase the distance and speed of your walk.
Additionally, doing homework can be an easy exercise option. You can mop, sweep the house or garden in the yard.
