We’ve all been there, waking up groggy, with a pounding headache, and an insatiable thirst after a night of heavy drinking. Hangovers are unpleasant and can ruin your entire day.

While the only surefire way to avoid a hangover is to abstain from alcohol completely, there are some things you can do to reduce the severity of your hangover.

Tip #1: Drink plenty of water

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and contributes to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water can help keep you hydrated and reduce the severity of your hangover.

Try to drink a glass of water in between drinks, and before you go to bed after a night of heavy drinking.

Tip #2: Eat before you drink

Having a meal before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Eating a meal rich in protein and healthy fats can also help you feel fuller for longer and reduce the likelihood of overindulging.

Tip #3: Avoid sugary drinks

Sugary drinks like cocktails, shots, and mixers can lead to a more rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and contribute to dehydration, which makes hangovers worse.

Opt for drinks with lower sugar content, such as wine or light beer, and mix with water or soda instead of sugary mixers.

Tip #4: Know your limits

Everyone has different tolerances for alcohol. Pay attention to how many drinks it takes for you to feel intoxicated, and pace yourself accordingly.

Related Article Avoiding the Hangover: 7 Proven Ways

Remember that the amount of alcohol in a drink varies, so be mindful of your intake and stick to what you know is a comfortable level for you.

Tip #5: Don’t mix alcohol

Combining different types of alcohol can increase the likelihood of a hangover. Stick to one type of alcohol throughout the night to reduce the severity of your hangover.

Tip #6: Take breaks

Taking breaks between drinks can help slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream and give your body a chance to process the alcohol. Try to take a break every hour and drink water or non-alcoholic drinks during your break.

Tip #7: Get enough sleep

Alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle, so getting enough sleep after a night of drinking is essential for reducing the severity of your hangover. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, and avoid using alcohol as a sleep aid.

Tip #8: Avoid smoking

Smoking can worsen the severity of your hangover and lead to dehydration. Avoid smoking before, during, or after drinking to reduce your risk of a hangover.

Tip #9: Use pain relievers with caution

While pain relievers like ibuprofen can help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, they can also exacerbate stomach irritation and increase the risk of bleeding. Use pain relievers with caution, and avoid taking them on an empty stomach.

Tip #10: Get some exercise

Exercise can help boost your metabolism and reduce the severity of your hangover. Going for a light jog, bike ride, or practicing yoga can help get your blood flowing and reduce the symptoms of a hangover.