As a single ray of light pours in through the one crooked slant of the mini blinds in your bedroom, it ironically shines directly onto your face making your head hurt from the brightness. You try to turn your head but -- "ouch!" -- that hurts too.
You slowly open your eyes without moving any other part of your body and see a New Year’s Eve tiara on the floor. You don’t want to move, your body aches.
You had way too much fun last night. You are suffering from the New Year’s Day hangover.
You peel yourself off your bed and stumble towards the bathroom. Why does it seem so warm in here? You make your way towards the sink to splash water on your face.
As you see your wilted reflection in the mirror you wonder why your shirt is on backwards. You push up your sleeves, turn on the faucet, and feel the water cooling your skin. As the water touches your lips, you realize just how thirsty you are.
You can’t help it. You cup your hands and start to drink the tap water like you can’t get enough. It’s going to be a long day.
How many times has this happened to you? You passed the limit of having fun and drank too much for your poor body.
Here are some tips on ways to help (or prevent) the hangover. These are pure suggestions from people that have suffered before you.
PREVENTION
1. Limit yourself. Drinks should be enjoyed not make you sick.
2. Do not drink on an empty stomach. New Year's Eve should be a time for enjoying a good meal with your drinks to celebrate.
3. Drink a glass of water between every alcoholic drink. This will help to keep you aware of how much you are drinking and give your body a full feeling so you will drink slower.
Also, finish your drink without allowing it to be “topped off.” You will have no way of knowing the amount that you are drinking if your glass never is empty.
4. Prior to going to sleep, drink plenty of water or Gatorade or something to keep your body hydrated. (I have even been told that Prickly Pear juice is what some people swear by.)
By taking an Advil or Tylenol before bed, I find that it can prevent that nagging headache from arriving in the morning.
5. Stick with one drink type or one kind of alcohol. If you start mixing beer, wine, and hard liquor, you will realize pretty quickly that your body won’t like it.
What if you are past the point of prevention? Hey, we have all been there. First, remember how rotten you feel and avoid it for next time but these tips may offer a little relief.
1. Grease and carbs galore! Not for the calorie-conscious or healthfanatic individuals (although these are not the people that abuse their bodies with alcohol anyway), you may feel better after eating a juicy burger, crispy fries and a large icy glass of water.
The bread and the grease will “soak up” the poison that is churning in your stomach. Hot out of the oven, cheesy pizza. A gourmet-grilled cheese sandwich with a side of curly, seasoned fries. I could go on and on.
2. Advil or Tylenol may help to ease the throbbing in your head (but it would have worked better last night.) Some people think a caffeinated soda or coffee will help with the headache but I have always found that water seems to work better to flush your system.
3. Liquids for hydration. The alcohol is drying your body out. You need to replenish it. I have always felt that water is best but Gatorade with electrolytes is helpful to some. If your stomach is bothering you, you may have luck with Sprite or ginger ale.
4. Rest and learn from your mistakes. Wouldn’t you rather start the year doing something fun and active than lying around feeling like “sugar honey iced tea?”
Please drink responsibility and especially be a responsible driver. On New Year’s Eve and always. If you are planning on drinking, designate a driver or call a cab. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Edited by Jody Smith