For a hangover-free celebration, follow these tips gleaned from celebrity rags and interviews before you go out, during the evening, and after you come home. We’ve also got some pointers for you if you forgot to take any preventative measures, and it’s the next day already and your head is killing you.
Before you go out:
We commend you for thinking ahead! If you know tonight’s going to be a boozy one, make sure to have a big dinner – even if it’ll be a little harder to fit into that slinky dress. Your body’s metabolism will be kicked into overdrive, and it will process all the alcohol you swallow much more quickly over the course of the night. Drink a ridiculous amount of water.
During the night:
Pace yourself. Sip your drink with that tiny straw, and pass on that second (or third, or fourth) shot. Avoid dark, syrupy drinks as much as possible – clear liquors aren’t as hangover-inducing. Munch on snacks, if they’re accessible. Water or a non-alcoholic beverage (try avoiding too much energy drink) between drinks can help majorly!
After you come home:
Make yourself a meal. All that alcohol has robbed your body of countless essential nutrients, and it desperately needs nourishment to help replenish them overnight. According to popular sources taking a couple Advil and washing it down with a 32oz gatorade before hitting the 1000-counts can dramatically decrease a hangover’s potency.
If you’re already hungover:
Coffee helps some people, but if you can’t keep down water, stay away from it. It’s a diuretic and will dehydrate you even more. Fruit, fruit juices (those without high-fructose corn syrup), and tea with lemon and honey are all easier to keep down, and provide essential vitamin C. Whole wheat toast and jelly have been said to provide some energy as well.
Head pounding? Don’t take Tylenol (acetaminophen) under any circumstances – it can damage your liver when mixed with alcohol. Take ibuprofen instead. If the pain is really bad, pull the migraine card: lie in the dark with a wet washcloth on your head, and pray for the room to stop rocking.
As always, drink a ridiculous amount of water. Even if it doesn’t stay down! Oh, and of course a bloody mary is obviously the emergency remedy!
Celeb Favorites for Enduring the Day After a Long Night:
Hit the eucalyptus steam room or let your shower steam up and spend some time taking some deep breaths. That followed by a full body massage (think mobile massage service!) will generally put you into a deep sleep allowing you to sleep right through the three too many spell.