How To Survive A Nasty Hangover At Work

you’re feeling festive and your favourite rooftop party had to be on a week night. you try to leave early but the beat keeps calling you back. here is how you’re going to survive your 9-5 grind the next day

- Lisa Katz

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DRINKING

Champagne 1,5 units

Beer 1,6 units

Cider 1,3 units

Small glass of wine 1,8 units

Large glass of wine 2,4 units

Cocktail up to 3 units

A shot of gin, vodka, rum, whisky or tequila 1 unit

One unit is 10ml of pure alcohol, and units are used to tell how strong your drink is. drinking one unit per hour is one way to ensure you stay sober throughout the night. both men and women should not exceed 14 units of alcohol per week (spread out over at least three days) if they want to avoid serious health issues.

Pace yourself

Listen up, our bodies eliminate alcohol from the blood stream at a certain rate, and drinks with a lower alcohol percentage are eliminated at a faster rate. Once you’re past the threshold, your body isn’t able to eliminate the alcohol at a rate which will keep you sober – which is why day-drinking can get you so lit.

Get into the habit of drinking (and loving) glasses of water in between each drink during a night out. While this will not prevent a hangover, it will keep you hydrated. Even though we all hate breaking the seal, you’ll love yourself in the morning and the girl chats in the bathroom will change your life. ‘It’s important to remember that alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning that it stimulates your kidneys to excrete more fluid and electrolytes that need to be replaced to stay well-hydrated,’ says Dr Kristin Hendricks, a Cape Town-based GP.

Don’t skip supper before going out and try to ensure that what you eat is healthy. ‘Skipping a meal or eating highly processed food can cause you to consume even more alcohol and can lead to excessive hunger and snacking the day afterwards,’ says registered dietitian Lauren Moore.