New Year’s Eve recovery tips

New Year’s Eve often marks the culmination of a season of celebration. Part of the fun of New Year’s Eve gatherings is letting loose and partying into the wee hours of the morning – which also marks the first day of the new year. The saying “go big or go home” is never more appropriate than on New Year’s Eve, when the festive atmosphere can compel people to stay up a little later than they otherwise would. Waking up hours later tired and lacking motivation is not uncommon on New Year’s Day. Fortunately, there are various ways for individuals who burn the midnight oil on New Year’s Eve to feel better on January 1st.

Take a nap. Too little sleep can make you feel grouchy and out of sorts. Sleep debt occurs after lack of sleep adds up consecutively, and Harvard Medical School says it occurs when you fail to get 6 to 9 hours of sleep each night, which is a common occurrence during the busy holiday season. Making time for a nap can be a great way to feel better on January 1st.

Drink plenty of water. Rehydrating after a night of celebration can help individuals overcome the overindulgence of the previous night. Enjoy a soothing cup of tea. Rich foods and desserts may wreak havoc on your digestive system. A cup of chamomile tea can have anti-inflammatory effects and also settle your gastrointestinal system. Add a little ginger for even more stomach-smoothing properties.

Look to caffeine as a pick-me-up. While you shouldn’t go overboard with caffeinated products, a cup of coffee can chase away cobwebs in your head and sluggishness. Caffeine can help you be more alert and improve reaction times, according to Healthline.

Eat light. Go lighter on meals for a few days to start to detoxify the body from the heavy, calorie-laden meals that mark the holiday season. Lean toward meals that are heavy on vegetables and whole grains.