How to Deal With a Hangover at Work

By February 8, 2018For Talent

Did you stay out a little bit past your bedtime? Listen, we’ve all been there.

We don’t condone coming into work hungover. But just in case those after work drinks got a tiny bit out of hand (and you had one too many gins last night) here’s how you can deal with a dreaded weekday hangover. No one will suspect a thing.

Step 1: Face the facts

I hate to break it to you but there are no miracle cures for a hangover (believe me, I’ve investigated them all). One of the main causes of a hangover is lack of sleep. Alcohol disrupts your normal sleep patterns and rhythms. To counteract this try to get as much of a lie in as possible (without actually missing work). If you work flexible hours or you can work from home now is the time to make the most of these perks.

Step 2: Shower

Showers are 100% absolutely necessary. Don’t think you can get away with a quick spray of deodorant. Smoke and alcohol smells linger on clothes, hair and skin. A quick cold shower will help to perk you up. If you really need to, put a chair in the shower. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.

Step 3: Wear soft clothes

I’m talking clothes that are as close to pyjamas as possible without getting you into trouble with HR. If you’re going to ride the wave of this hangover then you need to be comfortable. You need to trick your mind into thinking you’re still at home in bed even though you’re sitting at your desk staring blankly at your laptop.

Step 4: Drink loads

Drink as many liquids as physically possible (obviously no alcohol). When you think you’ve reached your coffee and orange juice quota, have another glass for good measure. Thirst is one of the worst byproducts of a killer hangover. If you don’t want to raise suspicion over the copious amounts of juice that you are consuming tip them into an office mug instead. No one will suspect a thing.

Step 5: Get comfortable

As soon as you get into the office start making your desk space more hangover-friendly. Turn down the brightness on your laptop, grab your favourite cushion and get the headphones at the ready. If you really need some peace and quiet book out a meeting room for an ”important call”.

Step 6: Eat your favourite things

A hangover is a perfect excuse to stockpile all your favourite foods. Foods like bananas, dates and leafy greens contain potassium, an important electrolyte that will help rehydrate your system. Bland carbs like crackers and toast will also help raise low blood sugar without upsetting your already iffy stomach.

Step 7: Get out

When it comes to lunchtime, resist the urge to rock back and forth under your desk or hide in the staff bathroom weeping. Try to get outside for some fresh air. Even a quick jaunt around the block will help clear your head. A stuffy office is not the ideal environment to fight off a hangover.

Step 8: Be realistic with your workload

Okay, today probably isn’t the day that you will blitz your to-do list or come up with a groundbreaking idea that will revolutionise the entire company. Be realistic! Use today to do small admin tasks like answering emails, organising folders and scheduling meetings. Leave the big stuff to tomorrow.

Step 9: Celebrate

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the longest working day ever. Once you get home, put your feet up, stick the kettle on and watch your favourite TV show back to back. You deserve it.


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Author Alice Murray

Alice Murray is a Content Creator at Jobbio with a passion for Employer Branding and Graduate Culture. She's a keen traveller and a self-proclaimed lazy runner.

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