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Five Reasons to Supercharge your Quit with Exercise

Dr_Hays
Mayo Clinic
12 17 1,474

Sometimes it seems like making one healthy change can be the catalyst to inspire other healthy behaviors.  Adding a dose of physical activity to your quit plan (even those of you who have been smoke-free for years!) may yield surprising results. 

Think of how the following benefits of exercise might impact your success. According to the staff at Mayo Clinic:

 

1.      Exercise can help control your weight

Gaining weight is often a concern after quitting, but adding some activity into your day may help ward off those sneaky pounds.

 

2.      Exercise combats health conditions and diseases

            Part of your motivation to quit is likely to preserve your health. Regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

 

3.      Exercise improves mood and boosts energy

Great for an emotional lift, or to blow off steam after a stressful day, physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more optimistic, and more relaxed.  Plus, with a more efficient heart and set of lungs you won’t need to rely on tobacco for boosts in energy.

 

4.      Exercise promotes better sleep

Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.

 

5.      Exercise can be fun

Physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It is an opportunity to engage in activities that make you happy, to connect with family or friends, or to try something new.

 

What healthy recommendations would you share with others as they work to stay smoke-free?  What helped you the most in feeling better and taking control of your life?

 

http://mayocl.in/1CiNviL

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About the Author
An expert in tobacco use and dependence, Dr. Hays has authored and co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed scholarly articles and book chapters on various aspects tobacco dependence and its treatment. Since joining the Nicotine Dependence Center in 1992, he and its staff have treated more than 50,000 patients for tobacco dependence.