Yoga May Help Smokers Quit More Easily, New Research Suggests
ISLAMABAD: People trying to quit smoking may find it easier to overcome nicotine addiction by incorporating yoga into their daily routine, according to a new study published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
Researchers found that practicing yoga can significantly improve the chances of quitting smoking while also reducing anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced after giving up tobacco.
The study reviewed evidence from seven clinical trials involving 629 participants from different countries, along with findings from five additional research reports. According to the researchers, regular yoga practice can increase the likelihood of successfully quitting smoking by up to 50 percent.
The researchers concluded that yoga is an effective form of physical activity that can play a meaningful role in helping smokers overcome nicotine dependence and manage the physical and psychological challenges associated with quitting.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular illnesses, and contributes to approximately 8.7 million deaths worldwide each year.
The report also highlighted findings from an earlier study conducted by Austria’s University of Innsbruck, published in the journal Psychopharmacology in December 2023. That study found that just 10 minutes of brisk walking or moderate indoor exercise can temporarily reduce cigarette cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms.
The Innsbruck study involved 16 regular smokers who abstained from smoking overnight before taking part in physical activity. Researchers found that brisk walking reduced cigarette cravings for up to 26 minutes, while moderate indoor exercise suppressed cravings for approximately 17 minutes.
Researchers noted that while further studies are needed, the findings suggest that simple physical activities such as yoga and brisk walking could become effective, low-cost tools to support smoking cessation efforts.
