With the year we just left behind, it’s become almost routine to have a drink--or two, or three--after work, school or basically any kind of strenuous activity. Now that 2020 is over, it’s may be time to consider cutting back a bit. In the meantime, we've got some tips to get you through those mornings when you wake up regretting the excess of the night before. If you’ve ever experienced a hangover, you know how excruciating they can be. The persistent headaches, the nausea, and, worst of all, hypersensitivity to light, make it almost impossible to get out of bed. Check out our quick and easy list to cure almost any hangover, no matter how severe!
Stay Hydrated!
The most crucial strategy to combat a hangover is hydration. It's helpful to drink anything with electrolytes to replenish yourself, with added nutrients to nourish your body. While most of us think Gatorade or Powerade, you might give Pedialyte a try. The drink helps tremendously with restoring electrolytes and other nutrients to help with the side effects of a hangover.
Get out of Bed!
While it may seem to be comforting to lay in bed all day after a late night out, it’s important to get up and get your blood flowing! Staying horizontal all day can make matters worse. Try to not get up too fast, as this could bring dizziness or more nausea.
Take a Pill!
Another good way to lessen the pain you're experiencing is with any over-the-counter pain reliever you have in your medicine cabinet. Advil, Tylenol, and Aleve are all great options. Excedrine can kick it up a notch with the addition of caffeine. Be sure to eat something light so the medication won't induce nausea or vommiting. Migrane medication, if you suffer from this malady and have a prescription, can be a lifesaver against a pounding headache.
Eat a Balanced Breakfast!
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to overcome a hangover is to reach for comfort food, rather than a good, balanced breakfast. Keeping your blood sugar level steady is imperative to cure your hangover. Try to choose food that's nutritious. Although greasy food may be the most appetizing, it can also cause an upset stomach and make you feel even worse.
Cozy up with a Cup!
Caffeine can be a hangover sufferer's best friend. Alcohol is a depressant and caffeine is a stimulant. Coffee and tea containing caffeine can help you wake up, become more alert and reduce headache symptoms. Just be careful not to overdo it, as these caffeinated beverages are also diuretics that can worsen dehydration.
Take Your Vitamins!
Heavy-drinking can cause your body to lose many of its essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins B and C. Many individuals swear that taking vitamin B pills the night of and the day after throwing back a few too many can increase physical and emotional health by stimulating your nervous system.
Hair of the Dog?
It's often said that "hair of the dog" (AKA a stiff drink the next morning), can help by dulling the symptoms of a hangover. Part of what makes you feel terrible are withdrawal symptoms as your body adjusts to being without alcohol. If you grab a drink the day after, don't go for straight liquor alone. Consider a beverage like a Bloody Mary that contains enough liquor to take the edge off mixed with ingredients that provide some nutritional value.
Go Back to Bed!
If you don’t feel like leaving the house after you eat, you might try taking a nap. If you didn’t sleep well the night before, it’s important to allow yourself to rest. Not getting enough sleep can cause fatigue, headaches and irritability.
Do Better Next Time!
Needless to say, the best way to fight a hangover is to avoid getting one in the first place. Next time you go out, try to drink a decent amount of water between alcoholic beverages. Staying hydrated will help your body pass the alcohol that's in your system and help prevent symptoms the next morning. Be sure to eat while you drink. The food helps soak up and process the alcohol so you don't become as intoxicated. And pay attention to what kinds of beverages make you feel terrible in the morning. It's often the excess sugar in the beverages that's largely to blame.
