No Smoking Day 2022: Effective exercises to help you quit smoking

There's a reason why cigarette packs come with a disclaimer, why movies underline the fact that smoking is "injurious" to health. But while smokers would shrug their shoulders at the sight of it and be repulsed by anti-smoking ads, it is important that one acknowledges the goal of such initiatives.

No Smoking Day is one such day or event dedicated to the cause. As we all know, use of tobacco can lead to many chronic illnesses such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and cause damage to the liver and lungs, it is something that people should refrain from doing.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year. More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke." That said, smoking is not only harmful for those who indulge in it, but it can also impact the health of those around smokers.

Reports claim India has almost 267 million tobacco users, making it the world’s second-largest tobacco consumer and manufacturer.

Also read: Ways Indian women can cut their risk of heart issues

Even after knowing how harmful smoking is and that it can lead to death, people still take leisure in it. Why? Because it has become a toxic habit, something that is seen to relieve stress. But that's not it.

Addiction plays a big role in why people are drawn to smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, "Nicotine is the main addictive drug in tobacco that makes quitting so hard. Cigarettes are designed to rapidly deliver nicotine to your brain."

Explaining further, the US health agency says, "Inside your brain, nicotine triggers the release of chemicals that make you feel good. As nicotine stimulates parts of your brain over and over, your brain gets used to having nicotine around. Over time, nicotine changes how your brain works and makes it seem like you need nicotine just to feel okay."

That said, when one tries to quit smoking, the brain gets irritable.

In that case, strong will is what gets a person through. With determination and dedication one can successfully go tobacco-free. Having said that, this No Smoking Day, here are some great exercises that will help you quit smoking and keep you in shape too.

Indulge in regular brisk walks. Walking is a great exercise for the body that is low impact and easy to do. You can either go for a stroll in the park or walk up and down the staircase. Doing this regularly will not only build stamina, but over time you may feel more energetic. So rather than going to the smoking zone, opt for a walk instead. This will help you focus more on your health than the toxic habit.

Also read: Hypertension: Exercises to avoid when dealing with high blood pressure

If you're not the kind who likes to sweat it out with regular exercises, go for what you like. Take up a new hobby or activity that involves movement. Swimming, cycling, biking, yoga and/or dancing are great cardio activities.

Keep yourself busy at all times. You need to not schedule a specific time to exercise, rather move around the house a bit. Complete your household chores, do a little gardening, play around with kids - all these can be great for your physical wellness.

If a sudden urge to smoke arises, you can always do these exercises to distract yourself.

- Knee bends

- Climbing stairs

- Deep breathing can curb cravings

- Walk to a smoke-free location