What’s a hangover? Seriously, we’re not joking…what’s a hangover?
Sure, there’s the obvious definition (see below), but that’s dry and academic. We’re more interested in what a hangover feels like for your body and mind and looks like to your friends and family.
Let’s find out!
Dictionary Definition
According to the always reliable Dictionary.com, the word hangover is defined as:
/ˈhaNGˌōvər/ noun – the disagreeable physical aftereffects of drunkenness, such as a headache or stomach disorder, usually felt several hours after cessation of drinking.
Sounds 100% right, if a little dry. But how does your body define hangover?
Your Body’s Definition
Waking up the morning after, surrounded by empty beer cans and a little bit of vomit, your body’s probably going to be saying something like:
Yuck! Why’d I let my stupid mind trick me into going out last night? I knew this was going to happen. It always does.
Why’s it so bright? Is morning always this bright? I need some sunglasses ASAP. Oh it hurts to stand up. Great, now my head’s swimming. I don’t feel good at all.
Where’s the toilet? Seriously, I need to throw up…now…
Sound familiar?
The day after a night of heavy drinking is going to include many of those unpleasant symptoms, not to mention things like lethargy, diarrhea, hunger, and thirst.
That’s how your body responds, but what about your mind?
Your Mind’s Definition
Ever wake up and wonder where you were? What about have fuzzy memories – or even no memories – of the night before? What about a part of a memory that causes some serious embarrassment?
Then you’ve experienced the mental effects of a hangover.
They go a little something like this:
What the hell happened? I remember going to the bar with friends and then…did we end up at someone’s house? I kind of remember someone’s house.
Oh no…I think we were all singing karaoke. There might be a video on my phone, let me check. Oh no, no, no. I texted my ex? Why!
Okay, let’s just put this all behind. I screwed up. I’m never drinking like that again. I’ve said that before though. Do I have a problem or something? I’ve been doing this a lot lately…
Not only does the mental impact of hangovers include confusion, embarrassment, remorse, and memory loss – but it can also include depression and anxiety.
Sounds like a bad time all around, right?
Your Friend’s and Family’s Definition
Have you ever wondered what your friends and family think when you show up the day after a wild night out? Ever wanted to know what they’re thinking?
It’s short and sweet:
You aren’t fun to be around right now…and you don’t smell so good. Is that vomit on your shirt?
No one likes someone with vomit on their shirt. Don’t be that person.
Your Definition
Ever asked yourself “was last night really worth it?” That’s as good a definition as any.
What’s your definition of a hangover? Let us know on social media!