There’s frost on the ground, the smell of mulled wine in the air and the sweet tones of Mr Buble’s Christmas album ringing in our ears; it’s safe to say the festive season has well and truly arrived. And what better way to celebrate than putting on our most sparkly numbers and dancing the night away to the cheese fest that is Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’?
But unfortunately, for the diligent students I’m sure we all are, December doesn’t only mean chowing down as many mince pies as possible. It also marks the start of the dreaded revision period and looming deadline time. There isn’t enough time to spend days on end nursing a very sore head and watching the room spin thanks to one too many jaeger bombs the night before, but with so many Christmas parties happening, you really don’t want to miss out either. So what to do? The only option is to deal with your hangover, and stat. HCX has some top tips to help give your hangover the once over.
1. Drink Water!
Although you might not be in the best state, before you flop into your bed after a big night at Mosaic, aim to drink as much water as possible. You should try and drink seven units of water to every one unit of alcohol consumed. Liquor is known to have a dehydrating effect so the only way to feel better is to pump your body full of the water the alcohol has removed.
2. Freshen Up!
Although you may not feel like moving after a heavy night, the fastest way to feel more human again is to have a hot shower as soon as you wake up. Because of the heat of the water, you will sweat, and toxins, which are causing that morning ‘alcho- smell’ will secrete, ensuring you are far more ready to face the world. The shower will also help to ease any headaches- direct a jet of hot water straight to your neck for the best results.
3. Eat, Eat, Eat!
The next step to rid yourself of your self- induced pain is food, and lots of it! Alcohol prevents your body from maintaining normal blood sugar concentration, and low blood sugar leads to fatigue and weakness so you should aim to eat as much protein as possible, as this food group is full of amino acids which will accelerate your recovery- just what the doctor ordered! Bacon, sausages, eggs or pulses are all perfect post night out foods. If you really can’t face the idea of eating, why not give some soup a try? There’s a reason chicken soup is supposed to cure your soul! Burnt toast is also a great shout. The carbon in the blackened parts help to filter impurities, which is why people hospitalised for alcohol poisoning get a carbon slurry pumped into their stomachs. However, the worst thing to opt for is a black coffee. Although caffeinated drinks make you feel better right away, they cause dehydration and loose bowels, ultimately making the hangover worse.
4. Get Out!
Now that you have sustenance, tell yourself to get dressed and leave the house. The weather might be more than a little crazy right now, but the fresh air will do wonders. Treat yourself with a shopping spree or be really productive and grab some trainers and go for a run by the quay.
5. Laugh About It!
Lastly, climb into your friend’s bed and share antics from the night before and cringe over the ridiculous faces you seem to be pulling in all your photos. A 1997 British Medical Journal study suggests that it is the guilt about drinking, a neurotic personality or difficult personal circumstances are better predictors of the symptoms of hangovers than the actual alcohol consumed, so obviously be wary of drinking the whole bar dry, but if you do, just remember to smile about it in the morning.
Of course the only way to truly feel bright and fresh the next morning is to have an alcohol free night, but if you do want to have one or two (or three) on a night out, make sure you follow these tips to ensure you stay hangover free!
Image Credits: beautyheaven.com.au