Exercise can serve as an excellent stress management tool which can help with the anxiety and nervousness that often encourages smoking. A regular exercise or movement routine can be very helpful in improving stress management.
The best strategy when using exercise to decrease stress is to have a regular (3-5 times a week) exercise routine. This can be walking daily, attending fitness classes, gardening, biking or many other physical pursuits. The exercise or movement can be a quiet walk alone in nature or a wild dance aerobics class. The key is doing it regularly.
Some great exercises that may help you to feel relaxed and calm include Tai Chi and Yoga. Specifically, we recommend Yin Yoga, Gentle Yoga and Restorative Yoga.
Try the links below for free online classes designed specifically to promote positive relaxation:
Try this beginner tai chi video to learn the basics: