Exercise and Quitting
-The Benefits
When you quit smoking, your craving for cigarettes can be almost
overwhelming during those first two weeks. Exercise is a good way to
get past those cravings.
•Exercise Is Relaxation
Nicotine withdrawal may make you irritable--and in need of tobacco.
Exercise releases all that physical tension and energy, leaving you
feeling more relaxed and calm.
•Choose the Right Exercise
The best exercise program is one that's fun. Choose an activity that
you enjoy. Remember, walking, dancing and bicycling are all forms of
exercise. Exercise at least three times a week for maximum benefit.
•Exercise Makes You Healthier
One of the reasons to quit is for your health, right? Each day your
lungs get clearer and your heart gets healthier, just from quitting.
When you get the urge to light up, visualize yourself exercising
without a smoker's cough.
•Exercise Keeps You Busy
One of the hurdles a quitter faces is boredom. Lighting cigarettes and
smoking them kept you busy and alert. Many smokers slip up simply
because smoking gives them something to do with their hands and
their minds. The next time you find yourself with nothing to do but
light up a cigarette, get up and do a few stretches instead. Or take a
walk.
•Exercise Speeds Up Your Metabolism
Nicotine stimulates your metabolism. Many of the symptoms of
nicotine withdrawal --the hunger, lethargy and listlessness. Another
result is the tendency to gain weight. But exercise can take the place
of nicotine in boosting your metabolic rate, so that you're less likely to
gain weight and feel sluggish.
•Retrieved from: UHC Wellness