The worst feeling is starting a new week without preparing for success during your free time over the weekend. It’s time to stop making Mondays full of exhaustion and regret, and instead making them a day filled with confidence and motivation. The only way to start off your week right is to begin with a productive Sunday.
1. Wake up at a reasonable hour
I know most of you are probably thinking, “When I drink, I wake up at dawn to chug a full bottle of water, I don’t need this tip!” Fine, but now that you’re awake, I suggest getting out of bed immediately to get a head start on your day. For the other half of you who typically wake up at noon, I recommend setting an alarm…or two…or three. My challenge to you late-risers is to start your day earlier: give yourself the opportunity to claim back your Sundays.
2. Drink lots of water
Before you get triggered by hearing the word “drink” again, just know that water is going to rejuvenate you. The reason why your head is pounding is because alcohol dehydrates you. I highly suggest chugging some water the same way you chugged that beer last night – I know you have it in you.
3. Avoid greasy foods
It’s not always easy to eat a big meal after feeling nauseous from a wild night out. But to counteract your exhaustion, bad decisions and depleted body, you must fuel yourself with vitamin-rich foods. Greasy and salty foods will only make you feel worse, and they certainly won’t help your dehydration.
4. Get moving
Whether it’s walking, jogging, lifting weights or doing yoga, physical body movement will help release endorphins, or mood-boosting hormones. A super intense workout is not necessary – but a little stretching or yoga will keep your blood flowing and make you feel revived.
5. Take a hot shower that ends freezing
I shouldn’t have to remind you to shower, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. First, I suggest getting a little steamy in the shower to release toxins. Then, force yourself to turn the shower handle to freezing cold. The shift from hot water to extremely cold water will speed up your heart rate, increasing your circulation – a great way to get even more alcohol out of your body.
6. Be productive
Assuming you left your homework for the last minute (let’s be real, who doesn’t?), then now is the time to get to the library to be productive and diminish your stress. If you followed my advice above, then hopefully you feel more awake and refreshed enough to get your important assignments and tasks accomplished.
7. Go to sleep early
Not only does coming home at 3 a.m. make you exhausted the next day, but when there’s alcohol in your system, you actually lose REM sleep. So going to sleep early on Sunday nights to catch up on some Z’s will prepare you for a restful and successful week.
Going out on a Saturday night is a great way to meet new people, let loose and have fun. But to avoid feeling awful the next day, I suggest following my tips to set an alarm, drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious meal, take a hot yet freezing shower, be productive and get in bed early. It can’t hurt to try!