By Mayo Clinic Staff

Yes. If you're quitting smoking, physical activity can be a helpful distraction. It can:

• Lower cravings for cigarettes during activity and shortly after.
• Lower nicotine withdrawal symptoms during activity and shortly after.

Research shows that even short bouts of exercise, especially aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, running and dancing, might lower the urge to smoke. Aerobic exercise also strengthens your heart and lungs, lessening some of the harmful effects of smoking.

Quitting smoking can be stressful, and nicotine withdrawal may cause you to feel tired and moody. Physical activity can help you cope with stress and boost your energy and mood. Exercise also can decrease your appetite, helping reduce potential weight gain related to quitting smoking.

If you want to use physical activity to ride out your cravings, set aside a regular time and aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Choose activities you enjoy. Make activity a part of your daily routine by biking, taking the stairs or, when possible, walking instead of driving.

There's no doubt that exercise is good for your health. But if you want to quit smoking, adding in counseling and quit-smoking medicine increases your likelihood of long-term success even more.