How To Cure a Hangover When You’re At Work
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As Irish comedy actor and writer Arthur Mathews once said, “I never met anyone who gets up out of their bed after a night on the town and says, 'Oh I wish I'd had another drink last night. That would have been a great idea.’” And yet, it happens. We have a bit too much to drink, and the day after begins with the dreaded hangover.
But what if it’s a workday? Many of us have experienced what it’s like to wake up feeling like we’ve been hit by a truck, and it’s even worse when we still have to get dressed, grab our laptop, make a coffee for the commute (if we have the time or the stomach for it), and head out to the office (or, worse, a classroom). What is the best way to deal with a hangover at work? Let’s explore some ways to make the situation a bit easier to manage.
To understand hangovers — and how to fix them — it helps to first take a brief look at how alcohol affects our brain and body. Soon after the first sip, we start feeling the effects of alcohol.
The next day, however, we might wake up with a whole new set of symptoms — the notorious hangover. On the physical side, we might feel nauseous, have a headache or muscle aches, stomach pain, vertigo, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, weakness, and increased blood pressure. We might also feel more anxious and irritable than usual.
If it happens to be a workday, these symptoms might pose an extra challenge. We’ll look at some possible strategies later on, but first let’s explore the cause of the symptoms in a bit more detail.
How do the effects of alcohol on the brain and body translate into these unpleasant symptoms? There are a few different reasons, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
When we’re smack-dab in the middle of a hangover, it can feel like it will never end. But rest assured, it will! A typical hangover lasts around 24 hours. It peaks when the blood alcohol concentration returns to zero and starts to get better soon after.
Bouncing back from a hangover is all about replenishing our body’s resources. However, there’s an important mental and emotional component to it as well. And, if we’re talking about curing a hangover at work, there are also important social aspects to consider.
As you get ready to head out the door, make sure to take care of a few key steps first. (You’ll thank yourself later!)
Okay, you’ve made it safe and are in the building, heading for your desk. Now what? It’s time to consider what’s on the schedule for the day.
This question is a delicate one sometimes: what do you tell your colleagues or (yikes!) your boss? Do you have to tell them what’s going on and why you’re feeling unwell?
Now that you’re settled in and your day is off to a (hopefully) decent start, what can you do to keep hangover symptoms at bay until it’s time to go home? While there’s no “cure” for a hangover (except time), there are things that can help.
Of course, one thing that’s better than curing a hangover at work is preventing it in the first place! Here are some tips:
As you look at your relationship with alcohol, consider taking a break to see how your life might change as a result. If you do decide to set alcohol aside or reduce your intake, approach it with a spirit of curiosity, not deprivation. Only good things await!
1. What are some immediate steps I can take to cure a hangover before going to work?
Before heading to work, focus on rehydrating by drinking plenty of water, preferably with added electrolytes. Eat a nutritious breakfast with a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Choose comfortable clothing to ease any discomfort and arrange a safe ride to work. If possible, walk to work for some gentle exercise and fresh air, which can help alleviate hangover symptoms.
2. What are the typical timelines and symptoms of a hangover?
Hangovers usually last around 24 hours. Symptoms start 2-6 hours after the last drink with dehydration and stomach discomfort. From 6-12 hours, symptoms intensify, and the 12-24 hour period is usually the most intense. Most people feel better 24-48 hours after the last drink. Symptoms include nausea, headache, muscle aches, stomach pain, vertigo, sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, weakness, increased blood pressure, anxiety, and irritability.
3. Should I tell my colleagues or boss that I am hungover at work?
In the end, it’s always up to you. Be honest about not feeling well — especially if your work affects others — but avoid oversharing details about the cause. It's more professional to focus on the impact on your work and suggest ways to manage your workload effectively for the day.
4. How can I manage my workload while dealing with a hangover?
Prioritize your most urgent tasks and focus on completing them. Take frequent short breaks to improve concentration and reduce fatigue. If necessary, talk to your team or supervisor about adjusting your workload for the day.
5. What are some tips for dealing with hangover symptoms at work?
Stay hydrated throughout the day and choose healthy snacks to maintain energy levels. For headaches, consider taking ibuprofen or naproxen with food, but avoid acetaminophen if you've been drinking heavily. Avoid strong smells or loud environments if sensitive, and limit caffeine intake, as too much coffee might worsen symptoms.
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