It’s that time of year again for students all over the country where, for one week, you can go out and get very drunk every night. Although for many students this remains the same throughout the year. However, the tradition of Freshers’ Week means that students at nearly every university in the country will be doing the same thing.
The idea of starting life in a new city with new places to experience is an exciting prospect, and many people try to get the most out of cheap drink deals and fancy dress nights, before the work load starts piling up. However, going out every night can make you feel a bit worse for wear in the morning and as the dreaded hangover looms, everyone tries to think of some brilliantly wacky ideas for how to avoid the headache and sick feeling.
So, what are the best ways to get rid of a hangover or at least make it slightly more bearable? I did some research, including asking my house mates what they do, and came up with this list of ten tips to help you through the many more weeks ahead of drinking.
1. Water – Drinking alcohol can leave you feeling very dehydrated and aside from a good cup of tea in the morning to wake you up, drinking water throughout the day will definitely help. It’ll help you feel refreshed and hydrated. It also helps to dilute the alcohol left in your body so it’s worthwhile to drink a glass or two before you go to bed.
2. Sleep – That brings us to our second cure. When you’ve been for a long drunken night out, all you want to do the next day is recover and sleeping is one of the best things to do. Trust me, I’ve spent days lying in bed trying to recover from my hangover. If all you feel like doing is lying around, maybe it’s not such a bad option.
3. Paracetamol – Truth is you are most likely going to wake up with a banging headache after a night out. Although, it won’t replace any vitamins lost through the consumption of alcohol or help get rid of any alcohol left in your body, it will at least take away some of the pain.
4. Soup – For me, this one works every time. There’s nothing like a good hot bowl of chicken noodle soup to help feel revived and replace lost nutrients. Whenever I wake up with a headache and feel slightly peckish (since that late night McDonald’s didn’t really satisfy my appetite) I’ll lie in bed with some soup and watch reruns of old TV shows.
5. Fresh Air – Sometimes, it is actually better to go outside than stay in bed. If you are lucky enough to have a garden or yard then make a cup of tea and go and enjoy the fresh air. If it’s cold, you’ll wake up quicker and feel more alive than staying in the dark of your room. Going for a walk will also help your body recover.
6. Royal D – My house mate recommended this one, it is an electrolyte drink which will help refresh you and bring back lost energy from all that dancing the night before. It’s usually used for fitness but if it can help get rid of your hangover, it’s definitely worth a try, especially if you have a 9am lecture.
7. Shower – There is nothing worse than waking up with a hangover and feeling sick from the amount of alcohol you consumed. One of the best things you can do is to get up out of bed and head straight for the shower. You’ll feel refreshed, awake and ready to go. Your mood will also brighten and you’ll definitely feel a difference.
8. Exercise – When you’re hungover playing sport isn’t likely to be on the top of your list of things to do but exercising can make a difference. You may feel horrible whilst playing, but sweating the alcohol out through your pores will rid your body of all the toxins in it and be very rewarding after.
9. Eat a proper meal – You will want to eat as much junk food as you can get your hands on. From snacking on crisps to even ordering a pizza, but the last thing you should do is eat unhealthily, as in the long run you’ll just feel worse. Instead, make pasta, chicken or eat fruit to feel healthier and stronger. It will also help absorb the alcohol left over in your body. Try to eat three meals a day as well, there’s nothing worse than being hungover on an empty stomach.
10. Hair of the dog – Last, is not the most advisable but if you’re feeling up to it, you could always grab another glass of wine or bottle of beer and start it all again. It’s a favourite at festivals and throughout freshers’ week, so if you haven’t got a lecture to attend then get drinking!
Remember: always drink responsibly, stay safe and have an awesome time at University!