We all know what detty December brings, especially for those of us living in Lagos. The parties, the celebrations, and the lively energy all around are part of the magic that makes the season so special. From all-night parties to intimate gatherings, detty December can be a whirlwind of excitement. But it can also leave us dealing with some not-so-exciting aftereffects like hangovers, exhaustion, and poor health choices. Whether you’re travelling home for the holidays or sticking around for smaller get-togethers, you need to make sure you can enjoy the season without the consequences that follow.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you avoid the dreaded detty December hangover and enjoy the holidays feeling your best.
10 tips to help avoid a detty December hangover of any kind
1. Water should be your best friend
We cannot emphasise the importance of staying hydrated enough. One of the easiest ways to avoid a hangover during detty December is to stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re out having fun, but dehydration is a major contributor to hangover symptoms like headaches and fatigue. Drinking water helps your body recover from all the partying and keeps your energy levels up.
Make it a habit to drink a glass of water after every alcoholic drink. This helps your body stay balanced and replenishes the fluids lost when you drink alcohol. Also, start your day with a glass of water to kickstart your metabolism and keep things moving. Hydrating properly during detty December is key to staying healthy and avoiding that terrible hangover.
2. Eat like you mean it
Eating well is super important during detty december if you want to avoid feeling sluggish or suffering from a hangover the next day. It’s tempting to indulge in sugary drinks and snacks at parties, but that’s a sure way to leave your body drained and bloated. Make sure you’re getting a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and vegetables to fuel your body.
Include foods that are high in water content like fruits (watermelon, pineapple, and oranges) and vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy greens). These will not only keep you hydrated but also give you the necessary nutrients to power through the season.
3. If you can help it, don’t drink too much
We all want to have a good time, but moderation is key when it comes to drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption during detty december will undoubtedly lead to hangovers, dehydration, and feeling unwell the next day. Know your limits, and don’t overdo it.
It’s also a good idea to alternate alcoholic beverages with water or non-alcoholic drinks. This helps prevent you from drinking too much in one sitting while giving your liver some time to process the alcohol. Remember, moderation is the secret to waking up feeling good after the party.
4. Don’t drink on an empty stomach
Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach is one of the quickest ways to get a nasty hangover. When you drink without eating, the alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream faster, which leads to a quicker buzz and a heavier hangover.
Before heading out, make sure to eat a solid meal, preferably one that contains healthy fats, proteins, and carbs. This helps slow the absorption of alcohol, allowing your body to process it more effectively. A hearty meal will keep your energy up and prevent you from feeling lightheaded or dizzy during the festivities.
5. Don’t cheat on sleep
Sleep is your body’s best defence against a hangover. Alcohol messes with your sleep cycle, and poor sleep will leave you feeling tired, irritable, and low on energy the next day. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep especially on days you’re on your feet a lot. This will help your body recover.
If you’re out late, try to take a nap during the day if you can. Sleep is essential for restoring your energy, keeping your immune system strong, and allowing your body to heal itself. Don’t skip out on quality sleep just because the season is filled with late-night activities.
6. Don’t let snacking steal your show
December is all about enjoyment, and with so many parties, small chops, and finger foods at your fingertips, it’s easy to let snacking take centre stage in your diet. But while those spring rolls and puff-puff are delicious, they’re not a substitute for proper meals.
Skipping balanced meals in favour of constant snacking can leave you feeling drained and unprepared for all the festivities. Your body needs more than just quick bites to stay energized and ready for the next turn-up. Make time for real meals during the day—think hearty Nigerian favourites like yam porridge, moi moi, or soups with plenty of veggies.
By keeping your meals balanced, you’ll have the stamina to party hard without crashing early.
7. Indulge in herbal tea
If you’re feeling the effects of the previous night’s partying, herbal teas can help soothe your body and promote recovery. Ginger tea, peppermint tea, or chamomile tea are great options for reducing nausea, improving digestion, and calming your stomach.
Herbal teas also help with hydration and offer a gentler way to detox your body compared to sugary drinks or heavy coffee. A cup of herbal tea in the morning or before bed will support your body’s recovery while keeping you relaxed.
8. Slow down with caffeine
While it might be tempting to drink several cups of coffee or energy drinks during the holiday season to stay alert and fight fatigue, excessive caffeine can dehydrate you, which makes hangover symptoms worse. Caffeine can also mess with your sleep, leaving you feeling more tired the next day.
If you do drink coffee, try to limit it to one or two cups a day, and balance it out with plenty of water. Opting for green tea or herbal teas can provide a gentler energy boost without the dehydration and sleep disruption that comes with coffee.
9. Have a plan for detoxing
If you’ve overindulged, it’s important to take steps to help your body detox. A light breakfast the morning after a party, including fresh fruits or vegetable smoothies, can help reset your body. These foods are easy to digest and will provide the nutrients your body needs to recover.
Detoxing doesn’t have to mean fasting; it’s about giving your body the right support to bounce back from the previous night’s festivities.
10. Listen to your body
The best way to avoid a hangover is to simply listen to your body. If you feel like you’ve had enough to drink or eat, stop and give yourself a break. Your body knows what it needs, so don’t ignore signals like dehydration, dizziness, or fatigue.
Taking breaks during parties and events to rest, rehydrate, and refuel can prevent overexertion and help you feel better in the long run. Listen to what your body is telling you and don’t push it too hard during the holiday season.
Detty December is meant to be fun and full of celebration, but it doesn’t have to come with the dreaded hangover or the aftermath of feeling unwell.
If you ever need to speak to a doctor, we’re here to help. You can get connected with a Doctor within five minutes. Should anything come up, just text us on WhatsApp to get started. We’re available to answer your health questions and provide guidance, no matter what time of day it is.
Enjoy your detty December, stay healthy, and don’t let anything slow you down!
