Getting into an exercise regime will not just help you get back into shape, it will also boost your chances of success at quitting smoking. Slowly and steadily, you will feel healthier than you have ever been!
<div class="ExternalClass6F8C6C3F6EC042B287A751C877881BD9"><h2>Maximise Your Chances of Success </h2><p>If you have made the decision to quit smoking, congratulations! You are one step closer to a healthier life.</p><p>As any ex-smoker will tell you, the path to quitting is not an easy one, as you may suffer from nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. However, these challenges are temporary and can be addressed with exercise. Research shows that even
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/826/types-of-physical-activities" title="Types of Physical Activity">moderate physical activity</a>, especially cardiovascular exercise, reduces nicotine cravings. During and immediately after periods of aerobic activities, your withdrawal symptoms and cravings are significantly reduced.</p><p>
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/830/get-up-and-go---tips-to-get-started-on-your-exercise-journey" title="Get Up and Go - Tips to Get Started on Your Exercise Journey">Starting a new exercise programme </a> will reinforce your mindset of turning over a new leaf. The release of endorphins or "feel good" chemicals in the brain will reduce stress and improve your concentration, which will in turn, raise your confidence levels. By focusing on a positive habit, you will think less about your urge to smoke.</p><p>To maximise your chances of success, enlist the support of an exercise buddy. Exercising with a friend is more fun and you can motivate each other to keep going when one is tempted to skip a session.</p><p>
<strong>Related:
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/753/pushing-your-weight-around" title="Pushing Your Weight Around">Pushing Your Weight Around</a></strong></p><h2>Becoming Active Again</h2><p>Don’t rush it! If you are starting to exercise again after a long hiatus, start slowly and gradually build momentum. You can take brisk walks or light jogs, three to five times a week.</p><p>It is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Examples of moderate physical activity are brisk walking, leisure cycling or swimming, or line-dancing.</p><p>If you have joint problems, stick to low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming. Always warm up and do simple stretches after you work out. Once you are able to exercise for at least 40 minutes at a brisk pace, you can add short sprint intervals into your routine.
</p><p>For example, if you are walking, alternate it with one-minute jogs, and if you are swimming, add one-minute pool sprints. Cyclists can try going uphill. Be mindful of how your body feels and take breaks whenever you feel aches or pains.</p><p>Aerobic exercise (or cardio) is physical activity that raises your heartrate. There is a wide variety of aerobic exercise that you can undertake, including group activities. Experiment with different ones and settle on one that you enjoy so that you will stick with it. Also, consult a doctor who is familiar with your health history before beginning your exercise regime.</p><p>
<strong>Related:
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/393/get_active" title="Get Active!">Get Active!</a></strong></p><h2>Change Your Habits and Beat the Urge!</h2><p>Don’t be discouraged if you reach for a cigarette again after a period of abstinence. Slip ups are often part and parcel of the process of quitting. Don’t beat yourself up if you do relapse but persevere in your quest to quit. Enlist the help of family and friends to support you in your quest to quit.</p><p>Change your other daily habits. Replace your regular smoking routines with
<a href="http://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/386/150minutes" title="150 Minutes of Exercise">healthier activities</a> — for example, if you habitually smoke after dinner, take your dog for a walk instead. Or instead of going for a smoking break at work, call a colleague to meet you for coffee.</p><div style="border-width:3px 0px 0px;border-style:solid;border-color:#21b8a5;padding:10px 5%;background-color:#fafafa;"><h3>Resources for Quitting</h3><p>Join the
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/88/IQuit" title="I Quit 28-Day Countdown Challenge">I Quit 28-Day Countdown</a> now! Call QuitLine at 1800 438 2000 for support, and visit
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/88/IQuit#participating-pharmacies" title="List of Participating Retail Pharmacies for I Quit">participating retail pharmacies</a> for advice that can help you quit.</p></div><hr /><p>
<strong>Read these next:</strong></p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1788/know-your-enemy-identify-and-avoid-triggers" title="Know Your Enemy: Identifying and Avoiding Triggers">Know Your Enemy: Identifying and Avoiding Triggers</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1769/keep-it-up-staying-smoke-free" title="Keep It Up! Staying Smoke-Free">Keep It Up! Staying Smoke-Free</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1781/weather-the-withdrawal" title="Weather the Withdrawals">Weather the Withdrawals</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1747/wanted-new-non-smoking-friends" title="Wanted: New, Non-Smoking Friends">Wanted: New, Non-Smoking Friends</a>
</li>
</ul>
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Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
No
760
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
<div class="ExternalClassA318562EAD924B8098B4452F01AA643E"><p>Health Promotion Board
3 Second Hospital Avenue
Singapore 168937</p></div>
HPB_Mailbox@hpb.gov.sg
<div class="ExternalClass44644DF563DC4482BE60BFDCEA0069CE">Established in 2001, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has a vision to build a nation of healthy people.
HPB implements programmes that reach out to the population, specifically children, adults and the elderly. These programmes include health and dental services for school children, BreastScreen Singapore, AIDS Education Programme, CervicalScreen Singapore, Childhood Injury Prevention Programme, Mental Health Education Programme, National Myopia Prevention Programme, Physical Activity, National Smoking Control Programme, Nutrition Programme, Osteoporosis Education Programme, Workplace Health Promotion Programme, HPB Online, HealthLine, Health Information Centre and HealthZone. New programmes will also be initiated over time to address health concerns among the community.</div>
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Health Promotion Board
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http://www.hpb.gov.sg
Quit and Get Fit!
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