As we say goodbye to the past year and welcome 2026 with excitement, celebrations are everywhere. But after a fun night, you may wake up to something very familiar, nausea, a pounding headache, and a burning throat. Yes, that’s a hangover. Maybe you don’t remember much from last night, but one thing is clear, hangovers are the worst. And as we get older, they often feel stronger and last longer, sometimes from 8 to 24 hours. Even if you promise yourself you won’t drink “this much” again, it rarely works that way.
What causes a hangover?
Think about how many drinks you had, maybe beer, a few shots, or cocktails. The main reason you feel so bad is alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose water quickly. This leads to dehydration, which causes headaches, dizziness, and weakness. There is no guaranteed cure for a hangover, except not drinking at all. However, some simple home remedies can help alleviate headaches, calm an upset stomach, and make the morning after a little easier.
Here are some easy and effective remedies to beat a hangover:
1. Hydrate first
The most crucial step is drinking plenty of water. Dehydration is the leading cause of hangovers, so keep a water bottle handy and sip regularly.
2. Let ORS help
Vomiting can drain your body of essential salts and potassium. Replenish them with ORS, along with fruit juices or coconut water.
3. Choose water-rich fruits
After a night of heavy drinking, your stomach may struggle with heavy foods. Go for something light like watermelon. Bananas and oats are also good options.
4. Consider medication (if needed)
If the headache is intense, a painkiller may help — and an anti-nausea pill can calm that queasy feeling. Keep hydrating while you do this.
5. Boost your vitamins
Multivitamins can support recovery. A glass of fresh orange juice is another great way to top up your vitamin C.
6. Try lemon slices
If you’d rather avoid anti-nausea medication, sucking on lemon slices can sometimes ease the feeling of sickness.
7. Sleep it off
Rest is just as important as water. Skip plans if you need to — let your body recover and sleep as long as necessary.
8. Take a refreshing shower
Once you feel a bit better, a cool shower can help you feel lighter and more relaxed.
9. Skip caffeine for now
Coffee may be tempting, but because it’s a diuretic, it can worsen dehydration and nausea. The same goes for tea, it’s better to avoid it until you feel fully recovered.
It’s important to remember that a hangover isn’t something that can be cured instantly. Your body needs time to recover from the effects of alcohol, so don’t push yourself too hard. Take a break from work or other responsibilities for a while, rest as needed, and listen carefully to your body’s signals to help it heal properly.