Post-Party Survival Guide: How to Prevent Hungover

We've all been Googling it without finding the result - so lets go through it all in this article. Photo: Pexels

Whether it’s booze, pills, or a bit of both — here’s how to (sort of) fix yourself.

There’s hungover, and then there’s “what day is it and why does my mouth taste like sadness?” Maybe it was five tequila shots and a splash of regret, or maybe it was a warehouse rave that got a little too enhanced. Either way, you’ve woken up feeling like a sentient pillowcase filled with broken glass and shame. Don’t worry — you’re not dying.

You’re just experiencing a full-body betrayal.

Here’s how to unfuck your system and start pretending to be a person again.

1. Rehydrate Like You Mean It

Alcohol and most recreational drugs mess with your hydration levels — hard. Dehydration is behind most of your symptoms: headache, dry mouth, dizziness, and that awful “I have no blood” feeling.

But water alone isn’t enough. You need electrolytes. Think: coconut water, sports drinks, or hydration sachets with sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Even the Mayo Clinic backs this up — rehydration with electrolytes helps restore balance much faster than just sipping tap water all day. Read more on rehydration and electrolytes from Mayo Clinic

Also: no, coffee doesn’t count. It’s a diuretic. You’re just making your organs more confused.

Common, Jesus walked on water. All you have to do is get up there and drink it. Maybe with some electrolytes in it. Photo: Pexels

2. Eat Something — But Don’t Be a Hero

Your stomach is a delicate crime scene. Don’t start your recovery with a triple cheeseburger. Ease in with toast, fruit, soup, or even a miso broth if you’re feeling bougie. Carbs help restore blood sugar and fuel your foggy brain. Once your body stops threatening to revolt, then you can go greasy.

Stay away from dairy. You’re not emotionally prepared for what might happen.

3. Cold Showers, Clean Sheets, Spiritual Reset

A shower won’t solve your life, but it’ll convince your nervous system you’re still alive. Start warm, end cold. Scrub aggressively. Imagine you’re washing off every bad decision from the night before both spiritually and physically.

Pro tip: wash your sheets, too. It tricks your brain into thinking you're a clean, high-functioning member of society.

4. Magnesium, Multivitamins, and Damage Control

When you party hard, your body burns through vitamins and minerals like a dumpster fire. Magnesium helps with everything from jaw tension (hello, clenched teeth) to anxiety and muscle cramps. It's not just wellness fluff either — according to Harvard Health Publishing, magnesium plays a major role in regulating your nervous system and muscle function.

See the science behind magnesium’s effects at Harvard Health.

If you’ve got a multivitamin lying around, pop that too. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is another supplement some ravers swear by for liver support, but do your research before going full chemist.

All vitamines are good except "vitamine E" the day after. Take some supplements. Photo: Pexels

5. Move — Even If You’d Rather Die

I know: the bed feels like a coffin made of safety. But if you can muster even a ten-minute walk to the corner store, your circulation, metabolism, and mood will thank you. Movement helps flush toxins, clear your mind, and break the weird post-party paralysis. Bring sunglasses and keep a low profile if you’re in the “I might cry if I see a dog” phase.

6. Emotional Fallout Is Normal (Especially With Drugs)

If you’re hungover from MDMA, ketamine, or anything that messed with your dopamine system, expect a dip. Like, a deep one. That crash isn’t your fault — it’s literally brain chemistry. Keep your day soft. No heavy convos, no texts to exes, no impulsive life changes.

Your serotonin will return eventually. Until then, carbs and cartoons.

If the crash feels really dark and sticks around longer than 48 hours, talk to someone. No shame in needing help.

Feeling crappy after a night out is normal. And so is calling a friend, not your ex. Photo: Pexels.

The Bottom Line: Be Kind to Your Messy, Slightly Broken Self

You’re not a bad person. You just partied like you’re still 22 and forgot your body now files HR complaints. Hydrate, eat, rinse, repeat. You’ll feel better. Maybe not great, but human — and honestly, that’s the goal.

You made memories (sort of). Now it’s time to make soup.