5 Best Things and 5 Worst Things to Do When You Have a Hangover

A hangover feels like your body is sending you a strongly worded email about your life choices. The headache, the nausea, the dehydration, the regret — it’s all part of the package. But some things make it better… and some things make it much worse.

Here’s a simple, practical breakdown of what actually helps and what definitely doesn’t.

✅ 5 Best Things to Do When You Have a Hangover

1. Drink Water (and Electrolytes)

Alcohol dehydrates you, which is why your head feels like it’s full of sand.

Water helps, but electrolytes (sports drinks, coconut water, hydration powders) help even more.

Why it works:  

They replace the minerals your body lost and help your brain rehydrate faster.

2. Eat Something Light and Carby

Toast, bananas, crackers, oatmeal — simple foods are your friend.

They settle your stomach and give your body energy without overwhelming it.

Why it works:  

Carbs raise your blood sugar gently, which alcohol usually crashes.

3. Take a Shower

A warm shower relaxes your muscles, clears your head, and makes you feel human again.

Why it works:  

It boosts circulation and helps your body wake up.

4. Sleep More

Your body heals while you sleep.

If you can, go back to bed. Even a 20‑minute nap helps.

Why it works:  

Alcohol disrupts sleep cycles, so you’re more tired than you think.

5. Ginger or Peppermint Tea

Both are great for nausea and stomach discomfort.

Why it works:  

Ginger calms the stomach, peppermint relaxes the digestive system.

❌ 5 Worst Things to Do When You Have a Hangover

1. “Hair of the Dog” (Drinking More Alcohol)

It might numb the symptoms temporarily, but it delays recovery and makes everything worse later.

Why it’s bad:  

You’re just extending the hangover.

2. Chugging Coffee

Coffee feels like the solution, but it dehydrates you even more and can make headaches worse.

Why it’s bad:  

Caffeine + dehydration = double headache.

3. Eating Greasy, Heavy Food

People swear by burgers and fries, but your stomach is already struggling.

Why it’s bad:  

Grease slows digestion and can make nausea worse.

4. Intense Exercise

A light walk is fine.

A full workout? Absolutely not.

Why it’s bad:  

You’re dehydrated, low on energy, and your body is already stressed.

5. Lying in Bed All Day Without Hydrating

Rest is good — but staying horizontal for 12 hours without drinking water will make you feel worse.

Why it’s bad:  

Your body needs fluids and movement to recover.

🌟 The Bottom Line

A hangover is basically your body saying:

“Please hydrate me, feed me gently, and let me rest.”

Do the things that support recovery — water, light food, sleep — and avoid anything that stresses your system further.