Tip #2 Exercise

Tips To Quit Smoking

It only takes two cigarettes per day to have a detrimental affect on your cardiovascular and heart function. A study conducted at at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, R.I ascertained that people who did not exercise where twice as likely to start smoking again.

Exercise could arguably be one of the greatest things you can do for your health. It is a powerful tool in obtaining a smoke free lifestyle. Exercise will give you more energy, improve brain function, reduce stress and allow you to sleep better and deeper. Sweating also rids the body of many toxins.

Exercise is a exceptional way to repress nicotine cravings. When you begin to have a craving, go for a run, ride your bike, play catch or do some push-ups and/or sit-ups. By the time you've finished, your craving should have subsided substantially and you have taken a step to a healthier lifestyle. Physical activity is also an excellent way to counteract any possible weight gain that may happen when quitting smoking.

When commencing a new exercise routine start slow. Start by running for 20 minutes a day, three times a week then increase the duration of the run by 5 minutes every week or two. If you are lifting weights, begin with light weights and gradually increase the weight week to week. If you are new to an exercise or routine, consult a trainer or physician. Do some research on technique. Remember quality over quantity.

Set goals! When you are running, set a time goal for distance and by what date you want to accomplish this goal by. Make goals reasonable. If you make them too ambitious, it will discourage you. Goals should motivate and empower you.

Here are some exercises.

-tennis
-squash
-biking
-running
-racquetball
-baseball
-weight training
-elliptical machine
-stationary bike
-sit-ups/push-ups
-climbing stairs of an apartment building
-going for a walk
-yoga (great for strength, flexibility, and oxygen intake)
-aerobics
-swimming
-basketball
-football
-soccer
-hockey
-rock climbing

There are many many more. Find an activity you will love to do.

Next installment - Tip #3 Reasons To Quit Smoking

Tip #1 - Identify Your Triggers

Tips To Quit Smoking

Triggers are a considerable part of smoking. They are the moments that make us reach for that cigarette time and time again. They can be physical or psychological. A physical trigger is when your body is going through withdrawal and needs additional nicotine. These moments can be difficult but pass in time. A psychological trigger is formed from years of habit, as in smoking while having a coffee. These can be more challenging to break. Some triggers are so ingrained in our psyche that you may not ever realize that you are lighting up.

Recognizing your triggers is one of the most crucial components of quitting smoking. Without being aware of what causes you to reach for that cigarette you may never break it's hold over you. Triggers can include; stress, coffee, driving, television, eating, reading, being around other smokers and many many others.

Start by writing down all your triggers. Think about all the times you smoke and what was happening at that moment. Was it while driving? Was it while having a coffee? Was it stress? Now over the next few days be conscious of when you smoke and add any triggers you may have missed.

Now that you have compiled a "Trigger List," write down alternatives to smoking. If coffee was one of your triggers, you could instead switch to tea for a week. If your trigger is talking on the phone, try doodling instead. If your trigger is a cigarette after a meal try going for a walk or have a list of household tasks handy and do one of those.

Here is a small list of possible trigger substitutions.

-go for a walk (around the block or around the office)
-organize your closet, computer files, emails, etc.
-meditate
-play with the kids
-plan a special day for your significant other
-doodle
-brush and floss your teeth
-buy a puzzle game to occupy your hands
-chew gum
-ride a bike, you need your hands to steer
-get a new hobby, one that is not already associated with smoking
-surf the net
-eat a piece of fruit or vegetable
-call someone

Welcome To 11 Tips To Quit Smoking

Tip To Quit Smoking

Deciding to quit smoking is one of the best decisions someone can make. It will also be one of the hardest. I hope that these 11 Tips to Quit Smoking with make renouncing smoking a little easier.

Smoking is not only a physical addiction but a mental one as well. Many smokers associate smoking with

coffee, alcohol, driving and stress, and find it difficult to separate one from the other. Because of this, smoking becomes deeply rooted in our lives making it all the more difficult to quit. Nicotine is highly addictive. It can act as a stimulant (a boost) or sedative (relaxing), depending on the user and the situation they are in.

These are but a few of the health risks associated with smoking:

Can reduces life expectancy by 7-14 years

The cause of 90% of lung cancer cases

Smokers take 25% more sick days than non-smokers

Smoking doubles a person’s risk of stroke

5 million deaths, world wide, are attributed to smoking

Quitting smoking will take time, patience, and work. I hope these 11 tips to quit smoking help you.

Next installment - Tip #1 Identify Your Triggers