As I will be the last of all of my friends to turn 21, watching them on their first night out as legal drinkers has shown me exactly what I need to wake up without a hangover when I eventually get to that magical age. Although you're technically obligated to drink all those shots and mixed drinks your friends and family buy you, who wants to wake up feeling awful the whole next day? And if you do feel awful, well, there are remedies for that too. Here are 21 things that will (hopefully) save you from spending the night with your face in the porcelain throne.
1. Water
Okay, this one is a no-brainer. The average adult body is 50-65% water. A hangover occurs because our bodies are dehydrated, so what could be better than replenishing? Just don't drink that water bottle too fast or you could end up getting sick everywhere!
2. Ibuprofen
Ahh, our good 'ole friend. Pretty much useful for anything, including that headache you're bound to have in the morning!
3. Pedialyte
Have you already gotten sick? No worries! According to Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone, professor of emergency medicine, "Pedialyte...also touted as a hangover remedy, may help you feel better after a serious night of drinking that led to vomiting and the loss of fluids."
4. Band-aids
Chances are, if you're really drunk, you might fall. Or you might fall five times. Regardless of the number, band aids to the rescue! Cover up those scrapes with some Hello Kitty or Scooby Doo band aids. They'll even make you feel younger!
5. Plastic Gloves
Oh yes, you know what these are for! In the case that you do get sick (and don't make it to the toilet) your friends will need these. Clean up in aisle drunk please.
6. Animal Crackers/Toast
Before passing out, you should probably be putting some sort of plain bread substance into your body to soak up all that alcohol!
7. Food
Eat before you start the night! Don't over stuff yourself or you'll end up feeling sick, but definitely have something in your stomach unless you want to end the night way too early.
8. Gatorade
If it's too late and you've already gotten sick, make sure someone sticks a big bottle of Gatorade next to your bed for the next morning. Trust me, you need those electrolytes.
9. Vitamins
Pop those vitamins like candy, because you just lost a whole bunch of Vitamin B and C during your crazy night out!
10. Another drink?
This most likely will not be condoned by your doctor, however, many friends have told me that when they're feeling sick from a night of drinking, another drink the next day will make you feel better! Now I'm not talking about a shot of vodka, but something easier on the stomach may help. Bloody Mary's anyone?
11. Milk Thistle
Not very well known, milk thistle tablets have been known to help with hangovers. It protects the liver from damage, so it seems like a great herbal remedy for everyone of age to take!
12. A day in bed
Regardless if you've gotten sick or not, anyone who has just been out the night before for their 21st birthday deserves a day in bed. What's worse than having to go to class or work extremely hungover the next day?
13. A big breakfast
When hunger strikes the next morning, eat up! It's even better if it's something delicious and greasy like McDonald's breakfast.
The next few aren't exactly cures, but are definitely must-haves for your night out!
14. Pictures from the night before
Laughter is the best medicine! When you're not feeling so hot, looking at pictures your friends took of you the night before will always get you laughing.
15. A day at the beach
There is nothing better than sweating all that alcohol out of your system at the beach, and just relaxing in the ocean waves. The Boardwalk has plenty of greasy food as well!
16. Your best friends
Who else will drink with you and hold your hair over the toilet if you're getting sick??
17. A DD
Definitely a must have if you're going out for your 21st. Don't drink and drive!
18. An optimistic attitude
Going into the night with the right mindset is definitely a necessity. Have fun! Don't let anyone else bring down your night.
19. The proper mind set the day after
The day after your night out, you may have some embarrassing Snapchat videos you really didn't want people to see. Just laugh it off! No one is going to remember them a couple days later anyway.
20. A chaperone
Most of the time, your DD will probably be your chaperone. But it's always a good idea to have an adult or responsible person there, just to make sure nothing gets out of control.
21. A nice, hot shower
After a long night out, all I want the next morning is a big breakfast, and a long shower or bath. Soak in that hot water and relax!
And of course, the best way to not get a hangover at all is to just not drink! Have fun and stay safe!
