Super Bowl hangover? Tips for managing Monday's recovery after the big game
Chances are good your boss or manager knows you’re not really sick the Monday after the big championship game.
For many Americans, Super Bowl Sunday is a big night for parties — and sometimes drinking a little too much.
Data provided by Nielsen indicates that Americans have spent some $1.2 billion on beer in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl in prior years.
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The aftermath of these festivities can hit hard on Monday morning, leaving many with what is commonly known as the Super Bowl hangover.
It's never fun going to work the next day (or joining a Zoom meeting on camera) with a monster hangover.
It may be a popular day to stay home and recover (or hide from those meetings), but it’s probably a far better idea to avoid that or at least do what you can to manage the symptoms. Explore a few tips to make your Monday morning easier:
- Drink water or liquids
- Consider balanced nutrition
- Take your vitamins
- Allow your body time to process the alcohol
- Rest and recover
- Exercise gently
- Use caffeine in moderation
- Try over-the-counter remedies, but follow directions carefully
The Super Bowl has become a tradition for fans to enjoy drinks and food while watching the game. (iStock)
1. Drink water or liquids
One of the primary culprits behind a post-Super Bowl hangover is dehydration. The combination of celebratory drinks and the excitement of the game can lead to a significant loss of fluids.
Begin your Monday recovery by rehydrating. Water, sports drinks and electrolyte-rich beverages can help replenish the fluids lost during the festivities.
A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage, as Fox News Digital has previously reported.
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2. Consider balanced nutrition
Support your body's recovery with a balanced and nutritious meal.
While there’s no cure for a hangover, some foods can be a big help with the effects the day after. Opt for foods that are easy on the stomach, such as whole grains, lean proteins and fruits.
Eggs contain an amino acid called cysteine that can break down acetaldehyde, a byproduct of your liver's breakdown of ethanol. They are also high in B vitamins, which studies have previously shown can help with the symptoms.
A fresh, ripe banana can go into a healthy smoothie or be sliced and included in a bowl of cereal. (iStock)
Bananas, meanwhile, can help bring your potassium levels back up to normal.
These choices can provide essential nutrients that can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, contributing to a quicker recovery.
3. Take your vitamins
People with lowered levels of vitamin B23 and zinc suffer more severe hangovers, according to a recent study from the Netherlands' Utrecht University.
These two substances are commonly found in meat, suggesting that Super Bowl Sunday may not be the best time to try going vegan.
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4. Allow your body time to process the alcohol
A common myth is that you need to drink more alcohol the next morning, or later in the evening, to decrease the effects of alcohol.
However, after following the prior steps, people should allow their bodies to process the alcohol by cutting themselves off earlier in the night.
"The liver metabolizes alcohol at a very constant rate, approximately one drink per hour," according to the National Library of Medicine.
If you want to avoid a rough morning after, it's a good idea to stop drinking well before the night ends. This way, your body gets a head start on the recovery process before you go to bed.
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5. Rest and recover
During a hangover, fatigue will be a major and persistent symptom that will be hard to shake off the next day unless you get plenty of sleep.
If possible, take short naps or allocate time for a good night's sleep on Monday to help your body recover from the physical and emotional strains of the Super Bowl festivities.
An adult should receive at least seven or more hours of sleep per night, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Monday morning after the Super Bowl can be one of the toughest mornings of all. (iStock)
6. Exercise gently
If you're the type who feels better after sweating out the remnants of a big night, it could be the perfect remedy for beating those Monday blues.
While it might be tempting to stay sedentary, engaging in gentle exercise can aid in your recovery. A short walk or light stretching can help boost your circulation, alleviate muscle tension and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
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7. Use caffeine in moderation
Many people turn to coffee to kick-start their Mondays, but excessive caffeine intake can worsen dehydration.
Make sure you're consuming caffeine in moderation and consider alternating with water to maintain hydration levels.
8. Try over-the-counter remedies, but follow directions carefully
Over-the-counter remedies, such as pain relievers and antacids, can provide relief from headache or stomach discomfort.
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However, it's essential to use these medications as directed — and to consult with a health care professional if you have any concerns or preexisting conditions.
Michael Hollan and Phillip Nieto contributed reporting.
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