Hangover Hacks
Waking up with a pounding headache, queasy stomach, and foggy memory after a night out can leave anyone longing for relief. As unpleasant as hangovers feel, they don’t have to ruin your whole next day. Arm yourself with some handy remedies to ease the alcohol-induced misery. With a little TLC, you’ll bounce back in no time.
If you’ve been there before, you know how it goes — one drink leads to the next and before you know it, you’ve tipped way past your limit. Hangovers are caused by alcohol dehydrating the body and irritating the stomach. While there’s no true “cure” except time, you can use these research-backed tricks to tackle common symptoms and feel more human again.
Stay Hydrated — And We Mean REALLY Hydrated
Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you pee out more fluids than you take in. Dehydration is a huge hangover culprit. Fight back by drinking a full glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. Keep chugging H2O before bed and when you wake up parched. Getting adequately hydrated will give you more energy and relieve headaches.
Take It Easy With Pain Relievers
Overdoing pain meds on an upset stomach can make things worse. Start with a buffer like Tums, or antacids with calcium or magnesium, which may ease that screaming headache. Next opt for no more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Lastly, drink some peppermint or ginger tea to settle your stomach. The soothing effects will help you keep meds down.
Load Up On Electrolytes
Along with water, alcohol zaps electrolytes — like potassium and sodium — that are vital for proper nerve and muscle function. Stock up on coconut water, fruit juices or sports drinks. Broths and soups replenish sodium levels too. Bananas and avocados also pack potassium and won’t upset your stomach. Getting these nutrients back on track will boost energy fast.
Eat Smart — Carefully
Greasy meals may sound tempting initially, but they’ll just aggravate stomach woes. Go for bland bites easy on digestion like crackers, rice, toast, or plain oatmeal. Add banana slices or avocado for potassium. If your hangover comes with nausea or vomiting, stick to small sips of clear broth or electrolyte drinks every 5-10 minutes until your stomach settles. Easing back into eating avoids further GI upset.
Sleep It Off
Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, so you won’t rest properly after drinking. Prioritize a mid-morning nap after replenishing fluids and electrolytes. Allow 1-2 hours for the most reparative benefits. You’ll awaken feeling refreshed. Some light yoga stretches beforehand can also relieve muscle tension and hit your reset button.
While no one intends to have a rough morning after, having a plan takes the misery out of hangovers. With these simple — yet effective — tricks, you’ll get back on your feet in no time!