Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking How Can I Get Through My First Smoke-Free Weekend? By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial process Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Armeen Poor, MD on May 02, 2020 Armeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and intensivist. He specializes in pulmonary health, critical care, and sleep medicine. Learn about our Review Board Armeen Poor, MD on May 02, 2020 Print Tony Garcia / Image Source / Getty Images The first week of smoking cessation is fondly referred to as Hell Week because, for most of us, the physical discomforts of nicotine withdrawal are intense. Psychologically, our minds are working overtime trying to convince us to smoke. It takes a lot of effort to put the mental chatter on the back burner and forge ahead, but it is necessary if we are going to move past the first days of smoking cessation The First Smoke-Free Weekend As smokers, we all associated cigarettes with relaxation. Making our way through the first weekend (or other downtimes if you work weekends) without smoking will take some effort, but the challenge is doable, especially if you have a game plan worked out ahead of time. A little preparation will help you stay in control and smoke-free. Make a List of Ways to Stay Busy Distraction is an effective way to beat cravings to smoke. Come up with several activities that you enjoy and try to keep away from smokers. For instance, you could go to the mall or a movie where smoking isn't allowed. You can head to the gym for a workout, go to a smoke-free restaurant for a leisurely meal or take the family dog for a walk on the beach. If you're at home, think about hobbies you could do to keep hands busy or tackle a home project you've been thinking about doing. Choose activities that are fun—you'll be able to step outside of yourself more easily if the activity engages your Get Some Rest If you're feeling sluggish and foggy-headed (common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal), take a mid-afternoon nap. There is nothing wrong with sleeping some of that first weekend away. Nicotine withdrawal can be exhausting. Extra rest will allow you to recharge your batteries, which will keep you at your best for meeting the challenges that come with the first days of smoking Recovery from Nicotine Addiction Is a Process, Not an Event Most of us spent decades building and cementing in place thousands of links between smoking and just about everything in our lives. Reprogramming those associations takes time and patience, but you can be sure that each smoke-free day you complete is breaking the chains that bind you to nicotine addiction bit-by-bit. It may not feel like you're making progress during the first days of cessation, but you absolutely Going Through It to Get Through It Once you put that first smoke-free weekend behind you, the next one will be easier. Remember that recovery from nicotine addiction takes time, patience and plain old practice. Acknowledge the progress you're making with daily rewards and take advantage of the support available at the smoking cessation forum here at Verywell.com. One day at a time moves mountains! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! So you're ready to finally quit smoking? Our free guide can help you get on the right track. Sign up and get yours today. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Speak to a Therapist for Addiction Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.