What Not to Do When Hungover: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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After a night of indulgence, the pounding headache, nausea, and fatigue can be unbearable. But when it comes to managing a hangover, there are some common mistakes people make that can actually make things worse. Here’s what not to do when you're hungover, and how to make smarter choices for faster recovery.
1. Don’t Drink More Alcohol (Hair of the Dog)
One of the most enduring myths is that drinking more alcohol, known as "hair of the dog," will ease your hangover symptoms. While it might offer temporary relief by numbing the pain, it ultimately delays your body's recovery. Consuming more alcohol when you're already dehydrated and your liver is overworked can worsen dehydration and put extra stress on your body.
What to do instead: Drink water or an electrolyte-rich beverage to rehydrate and give your liver a break.
Learn more about the effects of "hair of the dog" from NHS’s alcohol advice page.
2. Avoid Caffeine
Reaching for a strong cup of coffee might seem like the perfect way to snap out of a foggy head, but caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can worsen dehydration. Although it can provide a temporary energy boost, it can also leave you feeling jittery, and worsen headaches by narrowing blood vessels.
What to do instead: Opt for water or herbal teas. If you're really craving caffeine, stick to a small cup of coffee and balance it with plenty of water.
For more information, check out Drinkaware's advice on caffeine and alcohol.
3. Don’t Skip Food
While the thought of eating when you're feeling nauseous might seem impossible, skipping meals can prolong your hangover. Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels, which contributes to dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. Not eating can leave you feeling even worse, depriving your body of the nutrients it needs to recover.
What to do instead: Start with light, bland foods such as toast, crackers, or bananas to settle your stomach and help restore blood sugar levels.
For tips on what to eat during a hangover, visit Healthline's article on hangover recovery.
4. Don’t Rely on Painkillers Alone
Painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin can provide some relief from headaches and body aches, but relying solely on them for hangover recovery isn’t a long-term solution. Taking too many can irritate your stomach lining and may cause liver damage, especially when combined with the residual alcohol in your system. It’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage.
What to do instead: Use painkillers sparingly and focus on rehydrating, resting, and replenishing lost nutrients to support natural recovery.
Find out more from the British Liver Trust’s guidance on alcohol and medication.
5. Don’t Engage in Intense Exercise
It might be tempting to "sweat it out" with an intense workout, but when you're hungover, your body is already dehydrated and your blood sugar levels are low. Pushing yourself through a strenuous exercise routine could lead to dizziness, increased dehydration, and even injury.
What to do instead: Stick to light activity like a gentle walk or stretching, and focus on rehydrating before considering any form of exercise.
For further advice, read BBC's article on exercising with a hangover.
Final Thoughts: What to Focus on During a Hangover
The best approach to managing a hangover is to hydrate, eat nutrient-rich foods, and rest. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you recover faster and avoid making symptoms worse. Listen to your body, and give it the time it needs to repair and rebalance itself.