Hangovers are without a doubt one of the worst feelings after a big night out with your best friends. The last thing you want to do after a night out at the club is to wake up the next morning feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus. It happens to the best of us from time to time, and even though we can’t prevent it, we can certainly make sure that recovery is smooth with a few of the best workouts. Although it seems counter-intuitive to work out when you’re suffering though a hangover, moving your body is exactly what you need.
Dr Katarina Borer, a professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology, stresses the importance of exercise for your mental health (which suffers in the throes of a hangover).
“The qualities that make exercise an effective anti-depressant can help you feel better,” said Dr Borer.
We all know the usual method; drink plenty of water and eat fruits that are high in antioxidants and vitamins. Not to mention, a bit of ginger tea will do your body a world of favours, and of course the most important method is to continue resting. All these tips plus a light workout will help the recovery speed and boost your energy in no time!
The number one rule is to never attempt any workouts that will over exert your body. You need to stay hydrated, and in order to do that, you must avoid workouts that will make you sweat like crazy such as running and jumping. Another tip is to stay away from loud music or even bright lights. As much fun that it was, you need to give your body a break from the environment it was in the night before.
With that being said, these are the best workouts to cure your hangover.
1. Yoga
In general, yoga is a great addition to your lifestyle because it helps to improve your flexibility and also help your organs function properly. It is the best when it comes to taking care of your mind, body, and soul. It also has another benefit in that it helps cure hangovers!
By doing yoga the morning after your night out, you’ll increase the blood flow in your body and speed up the detoxification process. When you’re feeling terrible, avoid the difficult poses and go for the positions that are easier to achieve such as seated meditation, child pose, cat, and cobra positions.
2. Pilates
Similarly to yoga, pilates is great for your body, especially during a hangover. It helps strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, but bear in mind that pilates can be strenuous because it involves resistance machines. Just like yoga, it’s a good way to get your mind off your hungover state and, by doing one or the other, you are sure to recover in no time.
3. Sculpting
Body sculpting increases the metabolism and this is particularly beneficial when you’re hungover. Not only that but body sculpting also helps with tone your muscles as well as develop strength. You get the best of both worlds with this exercise!
4. Swimming
A shower will surely help your hangover, but if you have access to a pool, then swimming is the way to go! It not only builds endurance and keeps the body at a healthy weight, but it also keeps your heart rate up and this, in turn, relieves stress. This is especially handy on those days when you’re feeling unusually tense and agitated. It helps the body feel relaxed and refreshed, so the only thing you have to do is grab your swimmers and jump right in.
All four workouts are a great way to relax, energise your body, and feel a lot better about yourself after a fun night out. Aside from all these tips, make sure to keep hydrated and keep resting for a smoother recovery. You’ll be up and going again in no time!