Morning Recovery Drink and 6 Science-Backed Tips for a Better Morning
Key Take-Aways
- Our lifestyles today prioritize balance and well-being. It's all about moderation and being proactive about your health.
- A night of alcohol drinking can make the next morning extremely rough, with serious physiological consequences.
- Scientifically backed tips and strategic planning can make it easier to deal with a rough morning.
- Quick tips like coffee intake and ‘hair of the dog’ are myths that should not be followed.
Late nights, whether it's work obligations, social engagements, or just life, sometimes leave you feeling lethargic, tired, dehydrated, and not at your best. While you may not be able to control the scheduling of those late nights, you can take steps in advance to proactively set yourself up for a better recovery.
That's where a science-backed morning recovery drink comes in. In this blog, we will talk about six expert-approved tips that will help you recover faster. No gimmicks, no silver bullets or snake oils, just smart tips that work.
Why Your Mornings Feel Rough (The Science of Fatigue)
Ever wake up in the morning and feel like you've been hit by a truck?
These might be the reasons behind your rough morning:
- Dehydration: Missing water breaks and late nights can leave your body feeling extremely dehydrated, and overall, slow down all the systems in your body.
- Blood sugar dips: According to an NIH study, glucose levels can be influenced by alcohol (sugar) consumption or by not eating enough food. Unstable blood sugar levels leave you fatigued or with brain fog.
- Nutrient Depletion: Your body is depleted of its active stores of Vitamin B, zinc, and electrolytes from consuming too much food or drinking too much late-night alcohol (sugar).
- Sleep Disruption: Sleep is of no use if you return at 3 a.m. and get only 4 hours. If you wake feeling groggy and devoid of energy, the morning seems to drain the life out of you.
Morning Recovery Drink and 6 Tips to Start Fresh
Rough mornings are sometimes unavoidable. Hence, knowledge is key.
Ready to feel fresh the next day?
These six tips are here to refresh your morning:
1. Rehydrate with Electrolytes
Based on research by the Alcohol Journal, it's advisable to rehydrate with electrolytes. While drinking water is fine, it's difficult to drink enough to replenish your body’s electrolytes. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are used to replace what was lost and facilitate faster rehydration.
Recommendations include coconut water, sugar-free electrolyte packets, or a homemade hydration recovery drink (think water, lemon, and a pinch of salt).
2. Start your evening with a Morning Recovery Drink
A functional beverage for recovery can be a game-changer.
Look for:
- Electrolytes for rehydration.
- Antioxidants (such as silymarin found in milk thistle) to support detoxification.
Pro tip: Opt for a sugar-free morning recovery drink to avoid the after-effects of drinking. Our choice? More Labs Morning Recovery supplement.
3. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene (Even Post-Party)
Your body repairs itself during sleep.
Here are ideas to assist the recovery process:
- Blackout shades to block sunlight.
- No screens 30 minutes before bed (blue light interferes with the production of melatonin).
- Cool room temperature.
4. Replenish Key Nutrients (Vitamin B and Zinc)
Vitamin B and zinc are essential micronutrients that facilitate energy and cellular repair.
These can be found in foods from:
- Eggs provide choline and B12.
- Leafy greens provide folate.
- Nuts or seeds provide zinc.
5. Move (Gently) to Boost Circulation
Moving lightly ensures better circulation, oxygen flow, and the release of endorphins.
Gently move through:
-
A 10-minute walk.
- Yoga or a few stretches.
- Dancing to your favorite song.
6. Go for a Protein-Rich Breakfast
Skip the pancakes. Protein helps maintain blood sugar levels, thereby sustaining overall energy levels.
Some ideas:
- Scrambled eggs with avocado.
- Greek yogurt with berries.
- Protein-based smoothie.
7. Alternate with Water or Non-Alcoholic Drinks
To drink alcohol responsibly, you can alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water or an alcohol-free beverage. This tiny little tip can:
- Slow down the amount of alcohol you consume and allow your body time to process the alcohol.
- Keep you hydrated and reduce your chances of becoming dehydrated and hungover.
- Keep you in control of the evening, and allow you to enjoy without going overboard.
Pro tip: If you want to indulge a bit more, consider adding a splash of citrus to your sparkling water or mixing it with a mocktail for a refreshing treat.
These tips are not only suitable for avoiding rough mornings, but also healthy habits you should incorporate into your lifestyle.
Quick Myths to Ditch for Good
Let’s debunk some common recovery myths that can do more harm than good when it comes to recovery.
First and foremost, coffee is not a substitute for hydration. Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. So, if you’re reaching for a cup to fight grogginess, be sure to drink plenty of water alongside it to stay hydrated.
Second, skipping breakfast does not ‘reset’ your system. It does, however, leave you feeling anxious and tired. Additionally, while greasy breakfasts sound palatable, they upset your stomach even further and leave you feeling worse.
It’s a myth that drinking more alcohol, the so-called ‘hair of the dog’ approach, will cure a hangover. While it may temporarily ‘fix’ the symptoms, it only delays your recovery. It may ultimately lead to even worse symptoms.
Lastly, those sugary pick-me-ups give you an energy spike, only to crash and leave you feeling even more tired. Your body is not looking for hasty solutions; it needs balanced fuel and energy.
Recovery is not about punishment. It is about building a positive and healthy connection to your body's biological processes. Being mindful and proactive while drinking, such as drinking water, pacing your alcohol consumption, or exploring healthier food and alcohol options, is a lifestyle choice. A healthy relationship with drinking can positively support your biological system and help control recovery the next day.
The Biggest Takeaway? Consistency.
Once you have a consistent morning recovery routine based on science (with a healthy amount of functional beverages available at all times), you will recover faster today and build resilience for tomorrow. You shouldn't have to choose between a good night’s sleep and a good morning; a little intentional effort in the right direction will give you both!
Life’s better when your mornings feel as good as your nights.
Here's one way to proactively support your lifestyle and minimize next-day recovery.
Bottom Line
Today’s lifestyle is about balance and moderation. Being proactive and strategic about your drinking and recovery plans is the way to lead a healthy, balanced life. The More Labs Morning Recovery supplement and natural lifestyle changes, such as prioritizing sleep hygiene, can make fundamental changes in your post-drinking morning routine.
