CHICAGO — Whether you plan to drink and dance the night away this New Year's Eve or chug a bottle of red wine on the couch with your cat, there's a decent chance you'll be hit with a dreaded hangover Friday morning.
You did it to yourself, but that doesn't mean you can't ease the suffering a bit.
While we probably shouldn't admit it, those stereotypes about journalists being a bit boozy exist for a reason. But the news never stops, whether we're hung over or not. So, here are some hangover survival tips from our editors and reporters that we hope will help you beat that lovely combo of nausea and migraine this year.
EAT THE PAIN AWAY
The Eggroll Cure: Deputy Editor Jen Sabella tries to avoid hangovers at all costs these days, but when she does throw back one too many margs, she knows who to call: Young's in North Center. The Chinese spot at 3949 N. Ashland Ave. is solid and has glorious veggie eggrolls that somehow turn your hangover into a tolerable sleepiness. Also, their lo mein is packed with much-needed fresh veggies and thick, carb-y noodles that will make you feel human again. Pro-tip: add a Diet Coke for the full healing benefits. And yes, health nuts, I know Diet Coke is not good for me but eggrolls and margs aren't either. Moderation, right?
Greasy Food: Cheeseburgers. Lots of bacon. Piles of pizza. Reporter Mina Bloom recommends chowing down on greasy, gut-busting grub on the day of a hangover. Though some research says that what you eat after a hangover doesn't matter (what you eat before supposedly slows the absorption of alcohol), greasy food is so satisfying after a night of drinking. Plus, you can always start your diet Jan. 2, right? We thought so!
Magical Smoothies: It was a bleak morning a few weeks ago when reporter Ariel Cheung was introduced to one heck of a hangover cure (previously, her go-to was drunk food, a lot of water and a couple of aspirin before bed). But then, an angel of head-pounding mercy handed her a cure that left her re-energized and not hating life: a blueberry-banana smoothie chock-full of potassium and other nutritional goodness. While that smoothie didn't come with a recipe card, there are a few similar options online. Chances are it'll still work, even if you don't have the fancier ingredients like hemp hearts.
THROW SOME MONEY AT THE PROBLEM
IV Drip: "Hydration clinics" are all the rage these days because they really, really work (according to many reviews — no one on staff has dropped the $100-plus to be hooked up to an IV of fluids and electrolytes). If you partied too hard before an important meeting or need to catch a flight and don't want to use the barf bag, this is the way to go.
"It works almost instantaneously for a hangover," Dr. Jack Dybis of IVme told DNAinfo last year. "People walk in feeling miserable and walk out feeling awesome. It works."
HYDRATE THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY
Match Water for Beer, Get Moving: Years ago, a former co-worker told reporter Alisa Hauser to drink one water for every beer and she'd be in the clear. So far, the tip has staved off several would-be hangovers, which means there is time to take a nice long walk in the cold, another great way to combat a groggy mind and body.
Sunglasses and Advil: Reporter David Matthews tries to take Ibuprofen with a glass of water after a long night out. Then take a shower and pop more over-the-counter painkillers with coffee in the morning. Then sit in the dark and try not to talk to people.
Gatorade and Gummy Bears: Reporter Paul Biasco recommends a two-phase plan. Phase one, chug as many glasses of water as you can right before bed. When you wake up, walk to the store and get two Gatorades and a pack of your favorite candy. The walk will help a bit, but the candy is key to keep you happy during your fight against the hangover. Haribo gummy bears are highly recommended.
Color-Code Your Night/Day: You only need to buy two nonliquor bottles to have a fun night out and struggle-less morning after: one yellow Vitamin Water and one purple Vitamin Water. Editor Bettina Chang suggests drinking the yellow guy as you pregame. It'll get you prehydrated, keep your immune system boosted (vitamin C) in case there's cup-sharing at the party, and keep you awake (just, a whole lotta caffeine). Then, either when you get home or when you wake up, drink that purple sucker as quickly as you can for all the B vitamins you need to survive. The color coding also helps if your vision happens to be too blurry to read the tiny text that tells you which vitamins are where.
TREAT YO'SELF RELENTLESSLY
Let Fictional Television Heal You: So you're weaving in and out of your 15-hour nap. You probably feel horrible and guilty, so you must, MUST (!!!) treat yo'self to counterbalance. Reporter Linze Rice highly suggests binging on "Parks and Recreation" (seasons 1-6 on Netflix) and "The Simpsons" for some lighthearted goofiness. During this time you may lounge and ask people to bring you things. Paint your nails in between barfs. Wear your comfiest robe and don't demand too much of yourself.
Hockey and Burgers: Reporter Evan F. Moore suggests finding a rat hockey game or a stick and puck session. You can find a game at either the Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park, McFetridge Sports Center, or the new Morgan Park Sports Center. Beforehand, drink lots of Gatorade and eat a greasy burger. If you can't skate, it's OK, try it anyway. The fear of falling can sober anyone up.
SOBER YOU SHOULD TAKE CARE OF DRUNK YOU
Water Bottle: Reporter Kelly Bauer has managed to avoid ever having a hangover (well, the headache kind) by preparing before she goes out. The best thing you can do? Grab an easy-to-use water bottle or two and pop them in your fridge so you can drink a ton of cold water before bed. If you're planning on a big party, maybe put the water bottle by your nightstand so you'll be reminded to drink it before crashing.
Water, Ginger Ale, Tacos: Reporter Josh McGhee believes in the healing powers of ginger ale. After a hardy night of consumption, rotate between water and the heavenly soft drink. Once the cloudy stupor parts for long enough for you to move, head to your favorite taco joint (El Cid, 2645 N. Kedzie Ave.) and purchase three — one for immediate consumption and the others between more water and ginger ale.
Surefire Cure: Senior Editor Justin Breen has the ultimate hangover cure: having children.
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