Wisconsinites say you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning. Give us any excuse to revel with friends for a day-long bender. Deer camp, Badgers and Packers football games, weddings, funerals (yep) and of course, St. Patrick’s Day. All to reasons shred through cases of PBR and have fun.
I’ve compiled five tips to help you survive St. Patrick’s day. These tips have been passed down through generations of Wisconsinites. Like generational wealth practices of the Royal Family… but way more fun.
If you want your best chance to stay alive, follow these two cardinal rules.
FIRST. The best way to stay alive and not be hungover is obvious. Don’t Drink. But of course, most of us are going to skip that advice.
SECOND. Place your hand upon a block of cheese and raise your right hand. Repeat: “I solemnly swear to not drive after drinking.” And don’t fool yourself with a ridiculous plan to drink a early, stop, and drive later. Good judgement goes out the window after your first few drinks. Designate a driver - or better yet - plan to grab a ride home from a taxi or Uber.
So… you plan to get hammered? Here are five tips to minimize your hangover.
TIP 1: PACE THE RACE
Pace yourself. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and drink more than you intended. However, drinking too much too quickly can lead to a severe hangover. So, take it slow, and make sure to drink water in between alcoholic beverages.
TIP 2: PICK YOUR POISON
Choose your drinks wisely. Beer and whiskey are often associated with St. Patrick's Day celebrations, but they contain congeners, which can make your hangover worse. Instead, consider drinking clear spirits like vodka and gin, which contain fewer congeners.
TIP 3: EAT
Eat before and during drinking. Food helps to slow down the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, so have a hearty meal before going out, and snack while drinking. I recommend a mix of eggs, sausage and toast (burnt). Once you start partying, you may forget to eat. This is a great base. Burnt toast is also a great hangover helper for the next morning.
TIP 4: GET REST
Alcohol can interfere with your sleep quality, which can contribute to the severity of your hangover. So, try to get a good night's sleep before and after drinking.
TIP 5: COUNTER THE EFFECTS
Before going to bed, do this: Force yourself to drink as much water as you can handle, eat burnt toast and take vitamin B12 and zinc. If you wake up in a world of hurt, use ibuprofen (i.e. Motrin). Do not take acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) as it can damage your liver. Slam Gatorade and antacids. Try the Hair of the Dog trick. Studies have shown that drinking an alcoholic beverage while hungover can help take the edge off.
Remember, the key to a safe and enjoyable St. Patrick's Day is to drink in moderation and take care of yourself. When you wake up March 18th feeling like a rockstar, remember, somewhere there’s a Wisconsinite who’s proud of you. Have fun, #DontDie, and don’t trust leprechauns.
By Jeff Wick, Wisconsinite and Uncharted’s Social Media Manager
