Chances are you’re reading this wrapped in a duvet, clutching your pillow and battling a serious dose of the fear. A bank holiday in Ireland is your excuse to have a few sociables with friends, head home to see the mammy and relax in the divine comfort that there’s no work on Monday.
But the ‘last drink’ that seemed a good idea the night before has left you feeling a little worse for wear. We can’t hold your hand and make this go away, but we can give you some tips to help ease you into the week ahead. So chin up, we promise you’ll start feeling better soon…
Hydrate: It’s a simple concept that we can’t stress enough. Drinking alcohol will leave you dehydrated and the best way to beat the sluggish morning is to start gulping down some water. As the day goes on, reach for the sports drinks (to replace lost electrolytes), low-acid orange juice (to replenish your vitamin C levels) and natural fruit juices (to keep your blood sugar in check). Sensitive tummy? Flat ginger ale can help sooth a sick stomach.
Avoid caffeine: Recurring late nights take a toll on your sleeping pattern, so it can seem like a good idea to start your morning with a cup of coffee to perk you up. However, caffeine also acts as a diuretic, which can lead to further dehydration if you start sipping from the cup. If you really need a mild energy booster, opt for a black tea.
Eat some eggs: The Irish fry is a weekend favourite, but swapping this for eggs could give you the kick-start you need to tackle the rest of the day. Eggs contain cysteine, a substance that can help break down toxins associated with alcohol metabolism and hangovers. Other foods worth munching on include bananas for added potassium, dry crackers or brown bread. It’s important to eat something, so even taking a few nibbles along the way is better than holding off for a late night takeaway.
Don’t Workout: Your body needs time to recoup and repair. Sweating while you’re dehydrated isn’t a great idea, and even if you’re in training, it’s better to rest up so you can get back on track the following day. If you really feel like the walls are closing in and you need a change of scenery, venture out for a gentle stroll to get some fresh air.
Shower and relax: Prep your body for a night of deep sleep by having a hot shower. This not only raises your temperature, but will help relax your muscles. Cosy jammies and hot water bottles are optional (but a welcome addition to any night in front of the TV).
Sleep: There’s nothing a good sleep can’t cure, and making sure you get to bed on time will help combat the lost hours on the night before. Feel like you’re dozing off in front of the telly? Switch it off and head to bed. Broken sleep while you move from the couch to bed isn’t just annoying but can be disrupting your pattern. Aim to get a full eight hours snoozing to snap out of the weary weekend blues.
