Cigarettes, Sugar, Instagram, and Netflix: Our Addictions and Us
This week is Green Crescent Week.
Green Crescent is a non-profit organization that fights against all addictions that have mental and / or physical side effects. The first week of March every year is known as the Green Crescent Week. Supporters and individuals come together to participate in social and physical activities, children’s activities, dances and celebrate a healthy life.
This week means a lot to us, because as the Fitwell team, our main goal is to provide the support all our followers need to maintain their healthiest lives. That’s why we always encourage a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, this week is also a very important week to discuss the addicted habits and their side effects and to support those who want to get rid of their habits.
There are more than one reasons why we came across this article this week. First of all, if you cannot enjoy your life due to any addiction, cannot use your body to its full potential, and you cannot spend your time in this world in the best way, we want you to get rid of these addictions with all our heart. Second, as we have mentioned before, this week is Green Crescent Week and perhaps there is no suitable time to discuss these issues. Finally, whatever activity you’re addicted to (smoking, alcohol, sugar, Instagram or Netflix), we wanted to share some helpful tips if you’re trying to quit.
So what is an addiction?
When it comes to addiction, most of us immediately think of alcohol or substance addiction. These are really serious habits, but an addiction doesn’t have to be that extreme to have an impact on our lives. Addiction is defined as “being spiritually dependent on a certain substance, thing or activity”. So if any of your habits are hurting you or preventing you from enjoying your life, every activity can be an addiction (Yes, even exercise can be an addiction if it hurts you).
One of the most harmful addictions of today is still smoking. Although we have known the health hazards of smoking for years, more than 1 billion people around the world still cannot beat this habit. 80% of smokers are men.
80% of smokers worldwide are men.
However, there are other addictions that are increasing day by day around the world. Gambling, internet addiction (usually cell phones), shopping, video games, and binge eating, for example, affect many people around the world. Internet and phone addiction is increasing day by day. Although it may seem harmless, our dependence on our electronic gadgets causes us to be both sedentary and lazy in our brains.
What can we do?
The good thing is that a healthy life is one-to-one against addictions.
Studies show that exercising while breaking a habit can significantly increase the chances of success. A scientifically structured exercise program improves your sense of well-being, prevents you from gaining weight, improves your mood (and therefore boosts your self-esteem) and allows you to resist when your phone or cigarette pack calls you.
While the majority of people who have changed their lifestyle significantly are struggling with depression in a short time, exercise is a great defense mechanism for your mental state.
Benefits of exercise while leaving our addictions:
1) Helps reduce stress:
Especially when quitting smoking, you may feel weak against the daily stresses of life. Exercise can help you reduce stress and be more alert. This will reduce the chances of returning to old habits.
2) Increases your energy:
When you make serious changes in your life, your energy level may drop. You may feel tired and exhausted, especially if you quit high-glucose foods or if you are aiming for a more active lifestyle instead of your Netflix addiction. Fortunately, by the rule of energy, generally the more energy you put in, the more energy you have. So exercise will help you get rid of drowsiness and remind your body that it has more of the energy it needs.
3) Better mood:
The habit you are addicted to can help you cope with stress like smoking, or it can give you pleasure like video games or Instagram. Leaving these habits will of course affect your mood. Exercise will help release endorphins and give you pleasure. It will also cleanse your body of hormones that pull you down.
4) Reduces pleasurable behaviors:
One of the main causes of addiction is “pleasurable behavior”. The body generally gets used to behaviors that make it “feel good” and starts looking for them regularly. That’s why people who try to quit these behaviors often either revert to their addiction or replace their habits with something else. For this reason, most of those who quit smoking substitute food and gain weight. By replacing the familiar and pleasurable activity with exercise, you can reduce the chances of returning to old habits.
Addictions don’t all have to be bad. By exercising regularly, you can make exercise a habit, and make your body want it, unless you make your exercise habit harmful to you. With a healthy diet and personal workout plan, you can turn off Instagram, quit smoking, put your game console aside, and give up cakes. You can return to a healthier and happier life and enjoy life!
