Many people who get into the habit of smoking don’t often think of it as a problem, usually until non-smokers point it out. Smokers make up a large portion of the general population; in the U.S., there are well
over 30 million smokers. And the truth is, although smoking is associated with several adverse health effects, you can still lead a full, healthy lifestyle despite the "bad" habit.
If you are a smoker, it doesn’t matter how you got into smoking, why you smoke, or whether you’re looking to quit or cut down. You should put extra effort into taking care of your physical health. It's unfair to think that smokers don't care about their health or well-being. Smoking is not a behavioral defect or an indication of a flawed personality or character traits. Here are a few ways you can help to maintain a healthier lifestyle, even as a smoker.
Moderate Your Smoking
The first step towards leading a healthy lifestyle as a smoker is moderating the smoking. Quitting is often a tall order for many smokers, but moderation is the next best thing. Try cutting down on smoking or looking into safer alternatives like patches and
ecigs to take the edge off from time to time. Begin slow, for instance, by cutting one or two cigarettes every week and gradually work up to an optimum amount. Baby steps is often the way to go.
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| Photo by Louise Burton on Unsplash |
Eat a Healthy Diet
Everyone, and especially smokers, need to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Include lots of rich fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your daily diet. Some of the essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients can help counteract some of the negative effects of smoking. For instance, smoking is known to block calcium and vitamins C and D from being absorbed into the body, increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet can help restore these essential nutrients.
Engage in Physical Activity
Engage in regular physical activity to maintain physical health. Physical exercise makes the blood flow faster and increases breathing, both of which are beneficial towards strengthening the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You can go to the gym for rigorous exercises, go on hikes and bike ride, or try mild physical exercises such as cardio and yoga. Physical activities can also help you manage cravings if you're trying to quit or cut down on smoking.
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| Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash |
It makes total sense to be a smoker and still want to improve your physical health and wellness. You can practice regular health routines, just like non-smokers. All you have to do is find the perfect health and wellness rhythm that aligns with your goals and abilities.
