Health expert shares five-step routine for banishing festive hangovers
A little glass of fizz here and a cheeky baileys there. Next thing you know, you're waking up with an almighty headache and the fear you might just have ruined Christmas because you're too nauseous to eat your dinner.
We've all been there, but if you're hoping to enjoy a little festive tipple and still be able to function like a human being the next day, you're in luck, because one health expert might actually have all the answers.
Yup, it certainly sounds too good to be true, but let's not knock it until we've at least given a good go. I volunteer as tribute.
To keep things simple, Sophie Gaughan, health and wellbeing expert at XO Fitness, has laid out five steps to banishing your festive hangover, and no, it doesn't involve just getting back on it as soon as you open your eyes.
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The first step is hydration and electrolytes, which Gaughan said is 'at the heart of hangover recovery,' but for some reason is 'often underestimated'.
"Alcohol encourages the body to lose both fluid and essential minerals, leading to headaches, muscle tiredness, and that familiar sense of being depleted. Rehydrating with electrolytes gives the body what plain water cannot," she said.
"Drinks that include sodium, potassium, and magnesium support the body’s natural fluid balance and can noticeably ease the heaviness that follows a night out. Sipping these drinks slowly rather than all at once helps the body absorb them more effectively."
Sounds easy enough. Next up is breakfast, but we're not talking about a big, greasy fry up, like you might imagine. We might need a little convincing on this one...
"Instead of leaning on heavy or greasy foods, crisp textures can jolt the senses back to life in a gentle but uplifting way," Gaughan explained.
"Apples, lightly toasted sourdough, cucumbers, and rice cakes offer a refreshing bite that is easier on the stomach than dense comfort meals. Pairing these with a simple source of protein, such as nut butter, yoghurt, or eggs, helps stabilise energy levels throughout the morning."
Once you've got that down you, you can move onto some hot and cold therapy, which sounds complicated, but it's really not. It can be as simply as having a warm shower to relax the muscles, before splashing cool water on your face, wrists and neck to 'deliver an immediate sense of clarity.'
"When the body feels sluggish, shifting temperature can be an effective wake-up mechanism," Gaughan said. "The contrast encourages circulation and offers an energising lift that often feels disproportionate to the small action required, and can also help ease any headaches. It is a simple ritual that can reset the morning and help you feel more alert."
By now ,you should be feeling somewhat back to normal, but it's time to add in a DIY scalp massage as a reset mechanism, and this one won't require any convincing.
"A few minutes of gentle scalp massage can make a surprising difference. Using the fingertips to work in small, circular motions encourages blood flow to the head and neck, easing tension that accumulates after disrupted sleep and dehydration," she explained.
"This small act also provides a grounding sensory moment that helps the mind refocus. Whether done standing at the bathroom mirror or lying in bed, it offers a quick dose of relief without needing any equipment."
And last but not least, the final step is to grab a two-minute nature break, whether that's stepping into the garden or even opening your window.
"Even a short connection to nature can ease irritability, lower the feeling of overwhelm, and soften the mental fog that often accompanies a hangover," Gaughan concluded. "It is a small but effective reset for people who want a lift without leaving home."
Emma Rosemurgey