Smoking is an addictive habit and a very hard one to quit. Exercise can be a big help to you when you make the decision to finally quit. Keep in mind that the word exercise means many different things and you do not have to race around a track or pump iron to keep your mind off cigarettes.
If you do not have time to hit the gym everyday there are other alternatives. You can simply go for a walk, or a swim at the local pool, or do an exercise tape at home. Anything that gets you moving will help you succeed in quitting smoking.
To get started it is a good idea to write down your exercise goals on an empty calendar. Every day when you look at the calendar you will see what exercise is planned for the day and you can mark it somehow when you actually meet your daily goal. As the month goes by and you see more and more of these exercise marks you can congratulate yourself on a job well done. Whenever you do succeed in exercising it will increase your determination to stay away from cigarettes.
Some people get off to a great start with new running shoes or track outfits. Then as the days go by they find it difficult to stick to the exercise promise they made to themselves. That is why the exercise calendar can be such a great tool to keep you away from smoking. It keeps you accountable to yourself and that most important when making any lifestyle change. Your daily exercise will benefit you in many ways-some that you might not have considered.
Medical News Today states that one of the reasons so many people do not quit smoking is the fear of weight gain. By exercising on a regular basis you will be going a long way towards solving that problem. Naturally, you have to have some control over what you eat as well but exercising gives you a lot more freedom to eat. When you are walking in the fresh air or swimming in the pool, smoking will not be at the top of your mind. Exercise may not take away every craving but it will help you get to that point when the cravings begin to fade.
It is monumentally important to choose the right time of day to exercise and the right exercise program. Most people do better if they exercise in the morning but some, mostly out of necessity, have to exercise after work. Pick the time that works the best for you, your family and your job. It will be easier for you to continue exercising if it does not interfere too much with the rest of your life.
It is often true that exercise begets exercise, i.e. that you will want to move more often once you get used to the idea. Maybe an evening walk with your mate will give you a second “workout” for the day. Any exercise you do will boost your confidence that you have given up smoking for good.
As far as the program you choose, start with the minimum that you know you can follow through on. Do not jump into exercise like it’s the most important thing in your life. Choose something that you will not mind doing every day of the week and then add to it a little at a time. Someday soon you will realize that you have turned your exercise program into a true “habit” to replace the unhealthy “habit” of smoking. Now that is something to look forward to, is not it? You will have more energy, vitality, better health, and a longer and fuller life to live.
