Christmas Drinking Secrets

Recovering From a Holiday Hangover

If you’re like me, and many of the mums I know, then Christmas is definitely the time to indulge in a glass of wine, or two! There are so many delicious cocktails that somehow taste so much better during the festive season. If you are planning on having a couple of drinks with friends and family this year, one thing you’ll want to avoid is the holiday hangover! There is nothing worse than having a hangover, especially when you have a house full of children to take care of and chores to get through. So below are some tips on avoiding the dreaded holiday hangover:

The most common symptoms of a hangover include nausea, headache and tiredness. Sometimes you will experience these symptoms after just one drink while other times you may be able to indulge in an entire bottle of wine and wake up feeling fine the next day.

The Night Before

The best way to stay feeling okay when drinking is to have water with your wine. For every drink you take, try to have a glass of water in between. This will help your body get rid of the toxins. Of course, when you are having fun with friend’s drinking water may not sound like a lot of fun but it will be better for you tomorrow. Furthermore, try to eat something while you are drinking, even if it’s just nibbles. When you are drinking alcohol you may not feel hungry but it is important to stop and eat to avoid waking up to a grumbling sore tummy which can make the nausea even worse.

Before you go to bed, bring a large bottle of water into the bedroom with you and have a few glasses before you lay your head. Popping a Panodol before bed may also help you get to sleep and sleep away the alcohol. However, some experts warn that paracetamol isn’t the best thing to take for your already over-active liver and suggests sticking to Nurofen or aspirin instead.

The Day After

If you still wake up feeling rather seedy, then try some of these tips:

More Water

Not only should you be drinking water but I also find that swimming in the morning is a great way to wake yourself up and hopefully shake that hangover. If you have a swimming pool, then jump on in! Or, opt for a cold shower to refresh your body and hopefully your mind.

Eat a Light Breakfast

Can’t think of anything worse than eating something healthy for breakfast? Then try something greasy! Or, opt for something that is light. Cereal may not go down very well but you may be able to stomach some hash browns. Just don’t go overboard with the food as your stomach may take a turn for the worst.

Try Green Tea

Alcohol the night before and coffee the next day seem like the logical choice but this is actually not the case. Try to avoid caffeine and opt for a green day instead. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages will dehydrate you even more. Another good beverage choice is juice which may be a little easier to drink than water and is packed with vitamin C and other energy boosters.

Get Some Exercise

Try to go for a light walk or hit the gym for a moderate workout. Just avoid working out in the heat of the day as this can make you feel even worse. Or, head down to the local pool and do a few laps. Light exercise will get your metabolism going and increase the rate at which toxins are excreted from your body.

So go ahead, indulge in one more cocktail just be ready with a game plan to fight the hangover tonight and tomorrow morning!