Raise your hands if you have a hangover after a party. December weekdays are usually chaotic in the best sense of the word. But they can take a toll on our energy levels and physical well-being. And often the first thing to suffer is our workout regimen. You may be wondering, can you exercise with a hangover? And do you need to do it now?
ContentHow to tell if you have a hangoverCan you exercise with a hangover: yes, but be carefulWhy a light walk can ease hangover symptoms
Although your body is screaming “no, I want to sleep,” it's wrong. WomanEL will tell you why this is actually the best thing you can do during a hangover.
How to Know If You Have a Hangover
A hangover is an unpleasant symptom that occurs after drinking too much alcohol.
Symptoms may include:
- Headache and dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Fatigue.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Can you exercise with a hangover: yes, but be careful
Exercise can make a hangover worse, especially if you've had a lot to drink and haven't started to recover. It can also cause other health problems.
- Dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose more water (through urine and sweat) than it takes in. This is often the cause of many of the symptoms of a hangover, including dry mouth, headache, and nausea. Exercise and sweating can dehydrate you even more.
- Clumsiness. When you're hungover, your coordination can be impaired and you could be injured.
- Brain fog. One of the side effects of drinking too much alcohol is brain fog, or an inability to concentrate. If you're lifting heavy objects or doing cardio on a treadmill, you could injure yourself or someone else simply because you're having a hard time paying attention.
- Discomfort and stress. Drinking too much puts stress on your body, which can make everything, especially exercise, more difficult. If you have a hangover, your body needs time to heal and recover.
Did you know that there is a best day of the week to exercise? Never skip a workout during it.
Why a light walk can ease hangover symptoms
The above doesn't mean you should give up exercise altogether when you have a hangover. If your hangover symptoms are relatively mild, light exercise can help you recover. Movement can help relieve stress, increase blood flow, release endorphins, and relax tense muscles and joints. After all, exercise releases chemicals and hormones that boost your mood and energy.
Remember that exercise won't help your body metabolize alcohol faster. Any benefits of exercise are related to symptom relief, not “curing” your hangover.
Instead of intense workouts, opt for lighter activities like light stretching, walking, yoga, or lifting light weights. You can also take a walk outside and get some vitamin D from the sun. All of this will help you speed up your body's recovery.
Want to exercise without harming your stress levels? It's possible! Here's what you need to do.