After a night of celebration, dealing with a hangover is no fun. There are a lot of ideas floating around out there about the best ways to remedy that killer headache and the other symptoms that accompany heavy drinking.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial. Alcohol dehydrates your body, contributing to hangover symptoms. Water replenishes lost fluids, aids organ function, and helps flush out toxins. Keep sipping throughout the night and the next day to counteract alcohol’s effects and support your body’s recovery process.
2. Consume Electrolyte-Rich Beverages
Electrolytes play a vital role in your body’s functioning, and alcohol can throw them off balance. Opt for electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks or coconut water to restore essential minerals such as sodium. These beverages aid in recovery from hangover symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
3. Eat a Balanced Meal
Fuel your recovery with a balanced meal—carbs, proteins, and fats unite! After a night of drinking, your body needs nutrients to regain energy. Carbs provide a quick boost; proteins facilitate muscle repair, and healthy fats support overall well-being.
4. Take a Multivitamin
Let’s say you don’t have an appetite; at least grab a multivitamin for that extra boost. It helps bridge the gap and provide those nutrients that your body is missing. It’s good to take one even if you’re eating a wholesome meal, just in case you’re not getting everything you need in one serving.
5. Get Active
Revitalize your body with a breath of fresh air and gentle exercise. Stepping outside helps increase oxygen intake, addressing that stuffy, hungover feeling. Take a stroll or engage in light exercise to boost endorphins and enhance circulation. It’s a simple yet effective way to shake off the grogginess.
6. Rest
Give your body the downtime it craves—rest is a recovery powerhouse. After a night of festivities, ample sleep allows your body to repair and recharge. Embrace sleeping in to promote healing and improve your mood.
7. Sip on Ginger or Peppermint Tea
Combat nausea with the soothing power of ginger or peppermint tea. Both herbs are renowned for their calming effects on the stomach. Sip slowly, and let the warmth and natural properties from these teas ease any queasiness. It’s a gentle remedy to settle your stomach.
8. Have a Light Snack Before Bedtime
Hold off those midnight munchies by opting for a light snack before bedtime. A balanced choice, like crackers with cheese or an apple, helps stabilize blood sugar levels. This strategy ensures you wake up feeling more balanced and less prone to the discomfort that an empty stomach can bring.
9. Take Over-The-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers
Try OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin when headaches persist after the fun ends. Follow recommended dosages for effective relief. These medications can be a valuable ally in easing minor aches and pains.
10. Use Cold Compresses
Applying a chilled cloth or ice pack constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and providing soothing relief. Place it on your forehead or neck to cool down and alleviate the discomfort, offering a refreshing solution to those lingering post-celebration headaches.
11. Tumeric Elixir
The turmeric elixir works wonders for hangovers. Its anti-inflammatory nature is excellent for bringing comfort and clarity to foggy mornings. Mix turmeric with warm water, a pinch of black pepper, and honey. It’ll make the morning-after a bit more bearable.
12. Consume Foods With Potassium
Potassium plays a crucial role in the regular operation of cells, governing heart rhythm and supporting muscle and nerve function, and is essential for protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Foods like bananas provide a natural and delicious source of this essential mineral, helping restore energy levels and soothe muscle weakness.
13. Avoid Caffeine
Steer clear of caffeine to prevent exacerbating dehydration. While a cup of coffee might seem tempting, caffeine can magnify a racing heartbeat or palpitations caused by alcohol after effects due to its ability to elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
14. Take a Warm Shower
Ease the tension you might be feeling by indulging in a warm shower. The warmth helps relax muscles, alleviating any stiffness or discomfort from a night of partying.
15. Use a Humidifier
Alcohol-induced dehydration can leave your throat feeling parched. The humidifier introduces moisture into the air where you’re relaxing so your throat doesn’t feel so dry and irritated on top of whatever other symptoms you’re experiencing.
16. Practice Meditation
Try deep breathing and meditation. If you take up feeling distressed the next day, try mindfulness practices that provide a reset, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Inhale deeply and exhale the tension, or just engage in a quiet moment of meditation.
17. Recovery Playlist
This tip should be combined with others that treat the physiological effects of a hangover. Create a playlist of your favorite soothing tunes. Music has the power to elevate your mood and can distract you from the hangover symptoms. Choose calming melodies or tracks that bring back positive memories.
18. Eat Bland Foods
Bland foods are the best option if you have an upset stomach due to a hangover. Rich or spicy foods may worsen gastrointestinal distress, but bland options like crackers, rice, or plain toast can ease digestion. These choices provide nourishment without overwhelming your stomach.
19. Limit Screen Time
Prolonged screen exposure can strain your eyes, intensifying fatigue. Close your eyes, take short breaks, or engage in screen-free activities to give yourself a chance to regroup.
20. Consume Foods High in Antioxidants
Include foods that are high in antioxidants in your diet. Think berries, nuts, and leafy greens. They counteract alcohol-induced oxidative stress, supporting your body’s natural recovery processes.
21. Alka-Seltzer
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alcohol can lead to stomach irritation and heightened release of stomach acid. Antacids such as Alka-Seltzer and generic and store-brand antacids incorporate sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which helps reduce stomach acid. Additionally, this brand also offers a product designed specifically for hangover relief.
22. Avoid Greasy or Spicy Foods
Steer clear of greasy or spicy foods post-party. These can exacerbate stomach discomfort and may not sit well with your digestive system. Opt for milder, easy-to-digest options to support your stomach’s recovery and promote a more comfortable post-celebration experience.
23. Drink Herbal Teas
Take advantage of the calming properties of herbal teas, such as chamomile, for relaxation if you don’t feel well the day after the festivities. Chamomile can promote a sense of calm that’s also good for your stomach, especially if you have excessive vomiting.
24. Aromatherapy
Inhale calming essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus. You can add a few drops to a bowl of hot water or use a diffuser. The aromatic experience may help ease headaches and nausea.
