Hungover? Head banging? Feel sick? I have the cures!
The majority of us have been hungover at some point since being at university and I bet I’m not the only one to still attempt to make a 9am lecture feeling like I’ve been hit by the alcohol train as I drank too much the night before. Especially considering we have just experienced re-fresher’s I found it obligatory to help those of you who, like myself, enjoy the parties and socials.
I’m not encouraging drinking or discouraging it but it is easier to prevent a hangover than it is to cure one, that being said here are some tricks of the trade:
1- The first one is a given, the good old H20- alcohol dehydrates you majorly so help yourself the next morning and have a pint of water before you sleep and when you wake up. If you already feel slightly off balance then accompany the water with a couple of paracetamol and you will wake up feeling right as rain.
2- Now I know “hair of the dog” is advised but don’t do it to yourself! You don’t want to drink again until you have completely rehydrated your body. If when you wake up your head is banging and you can’t bear to turn the lights on then have a Berocca. Like water it returns all the necessary fluids to your body but also provides energy; giving you that kick up the bum you need to get yourself out and about. Simply add the tablet to water, down it like those shots you had last night, and you’re good to go. Stay clear of coffee, I know it’s good but it will dehydrate you more.
3- Sugar! If you’re feeling shaky or a bit sick the next morning then your body is lacking sugar and minerals. Try a Mars Bar or some Lucozade. Both get sugar into your system ASAP. If you don’t have any near you then try straight up coke (without the Jack Daniels this time) and some fresh air; breathe slowly and wait for the sugar to soak in.
4- Eat! Even if it seems like the worst idea in the world and your stomach cries no! Depending on how bad you feel, eggs or a good old full English are a great option as they help replace fatty acids and break down the alcohol in your liver. However if you have chucked chunks then stay clear of anything greasy. A safer option to get you going is some carbohydrates such as toast or just plain bread which should give you a boost without upsetting your fragile stomach. Also drinking too much can also reduce your potassium levels so try a banana if you can.
5- The whole idea that you can “sweat it out” is a pile of rubbish quite frankly, but that doesn’t mean that exercise won’t help you. I know it seems a lot of effort but a simple run will help, mainly because of the fresh air. Some gentle exercise, with lots and lots of water so you don’t get dehydrated, can boost your endorphin levels and give you a mental kick. But like I said this is a lot of effort when all you want to do is curl up and die.
6- Freshening up can do wonders for your mind. If you’re not already late for lectures then jump right on in there and spend a good 15 minutes with your rubber duck and bubbles in the bath or shower. Just relax. You’ll be squeaky clean and feeling swell in no time.