Party Season Survival: How To Have a Healthy Hangover
We’re now a week into December and the festive party season is definitely in full swing! So in preparation for all those hangovers that are sure to be suffered through this weekend (if you don’t already have one from last nights antics!), here’s our top tips for having a healthy hangover – they’ll have you feeling like your usual self in no time…
Avoid The Hair Of The Dog
No matter what everyone tells you, heading to the pub for more alcohol is definitely not to answer to your hangover woes! You might feel better momentarily, but you’ll pay for it in the long run – prolonging and intensifying your suffering the following day.
Sleep
It might not be the hangover cure you want to hear when you’ve got a busy day ahead, but allowing your body the rest it needs is the best hangover cure around. That sluggish feeling you get the morning after a heavy night is not just caused by drinking too much alcohol, and is hugely affected by your tiredness. So swap your Saturday brunch date for dinner plans and give yourself a nice, long lie-in.
Limit Caffeine
Reaching for yet another cup of coffee to pick you up might seem like a good idea at the time, but this will only dehydrate you further. Try to lmit your tea and coffee consumption to just one cup and fill up your water bottle instead to get your hydration back on track.
Drink Coconut Water
This one might be up for scientific debate, but many people say that coconut water is great for soothing their aching head after a big night out. This is because coconut water contains antioxidants and electrolytes, specifically potassium, which are key components for curing a hangover.
Try Ginger For Sickness
Feeling queasy? It’s suggested that ginger is great for helping to relieve nausea and settle a churning stomach. Throw it into a simple smoothie or slice it up and pop it in a mug of hot water with a squeeze of lemon.
Boost Your Protein Levels
As tempting as that greasy takeaway might be, getting in a balanced meal with plenty of protein will serve you much better. Proteins are broken down into individual amino acids which help detoxify your liver, and as alcohol depletes these amino acids, replenishing is essential. That doesn’t mean you need to spend ages in the kitchen whipping up a high-protein feast, you can simply add a scoop of protein powder to a bowl of oats instead.
Sweat It Out
Depending on the severity of your hangover, getting active can be a great way to get yourself feeling back on track. Strength training or an intense HIIT session might not be a great idea, as you have a higher chance of injury when you're not on top form, but some low intensity, steady state cardio is a much safer way to cure your hangover. An easy jog, an incline walk on the treadmill or a refreshing swim are all awesome ways to sweat it out after a boozy night. Don't forget to drink plenty of water whilst you’re at it to re-hydrate.