SAY GOODBYE TO HANGOVERS

It’s possible to enjoy a drink during the festive season and wake up with a clear head. Here’s how to avoid that foggy feeling the next day

IT’S great to let your hair down after a year of working really hard, but while it is the season to be merry, if you over­ do it with wine, cocktails, beer or bubbly it can also be the season of mis­erable mornings after. Here’s a guide to help you avoid hang­overs – or mop up the damage if it all goes horribly wrong.

BEWARE THE NIGHT BEFORE

So you’re planning to pace yourself at the office party, on New Year’s Eve or on Christmas Day – excellent!

But do watch out on the night before those dates. Studies have shown that people tend to drink more on the eve of big days – 30 December, in particular, is a peak time for overindulgence.

So if you’re out the night before the big holiday and the anticipation is making you excitable, watch your intake care­ fully – or consider abstaining entirely.

CHOOSE YOUR VENUE WISELY

The environment and atmosphere in which you’re drinking can make a differ­ence to how much you consume. Studies have shown the louder the music, the faster people drink.

Research has also found that you drink more if you’re standing. Simply sitting down helps, and you also tend to slow down if you eat something or if you do something entertaining such as taking part in a pub quiz or playing pool.