A report in an international journal called “Addiction” says that moderate exercise like walking can reduce the intensity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms of the smokers. Even five minutes of exercise would help in reducing the craving for nicotine. After some strenuous exercise, the desire to smoke in the addicts reduced to a great deal. Exercise is recommended for all kinds of drug addiction.

“What’s surprising is the strength of the effect,” said Dr. Robert West, professor of health psychology at University College London. “They found that the acute effects of exercise were as effective as a nicotine patch,” he said.

But the researchers were not sure how long the effect of exercise would last. A study showed that the smokers, who exercised, after undergoing nicotine replacement therapy did not go back to smoking; whereas those who had not done any exercise went back to smoking very easily.

People usually smoke cigarettes to relieve stress. By exercising, you get similar stress relieving effects which reduces the craving to smoke. Exercising increases the endorphin level in the brain which is a neurotransmitter that helps in relieving yourself from anxiety and stress.

The stationary heart beat is usually higher in the case of cigarette smokers. Exercising causes a drastic change in the rate of heat beat of the smokers. It also helps in keeping the weight down. And it is less likely for these smokers to develop lung ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Regular physical activity fights the harmful effects of smoking through an antioxidant mechanism. So instead of taking a cigarette break, take an exercise break.