Top Tips For Staying Happy And Hydrated This Festive Season

We may be on the eve of the party season, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your usual standard of health and wellbeing for the sake of getting into the party spirit. Here are some tips and tricks for staying properly hydrated and dodging a dreaded hangover amidst all the fun and festivities.   

 

Start off on the right foot

If you have a packed day ahead of you, perhaps doing last minute Christmas shopping and dashing in between overheated stores, or maybe enjoying a festive tipple with friends, it’s important to start off on the right note. 

 

 

Make sure you are well hydrated before you leave the house, preferably avoiding tea or coffee, as these tend to make you urinate more frequently and lose fluids faster. A great tip is to pop a hydration tablet into a glass of water that will give you an infusion of electrolytes.

 

These are essential vitamins and minerals that help your body to maintain its fluid balance and can guard against symptoms of dehydration such as dizziness, confusion and fatigue. 

 

Drink mindfully 

At this time of year the booze may be flowing at Christmas office parties or family gatherings. If you are celebrating the season with a few drinks, a good tip is to alternate alcoholic beverages with a glass of water or a soft drink or even a delicious refreshing mocktail.

 

This can prevent that uncomfortable dry mouth sensation and will help to ward off the worst of a hangover the next day, should you have one too many.

Choose hydrating snacks

Festive food can be loaded with salt and sugar, which can make us feel dehydrated more quickly. If you are eating more heavily or unhealthily than you usually would be at this time of year, a great tip is to have some hydrating snacks on hand. Juicy fruits such as watermelon and oranges are ideal, as are veggies such as slices of cucumber. 

 

 

Have an emergency hangover kit 

None of us are perfect, and despite your best efforts you might find yourself waking up with a pounding headache, a nauseous stomach and a general feeling of regret. The best way to deal with a hangover is to slowly rehydrate the body with fluids (ideally, remember to drink a pint of water before going to bed). 

 

 

Your vitamins and minerals are probably depleted, so adding an electrolyte tablet to your water will help to bring you back up to speed. Stick to small amounts of bland food until you begin to feel better. Even if you have another party lined up, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol for the next 48 hours to give your body a chance to fully recover.