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New Year’s Eve is the prime holiday to let loose, live it up, and let the libations flow — especially in New York City.
But what happens the next morning, when the alarm sounds, and like many folks, you still have to work on the holiday — even with a gnarly hangover?
While Myka Meier — an etiquette expert and founder of NYC’s Beaumont Etiquette — acknowledged that the holiday is meant to be enjoyed, she stressed the importance of not having too much fun at the risk of harming one’s professional reputation the next day.
“Even if no one comments, people notice who shows up focused, composed, and ready to work, although people tend to give a little leeway on New Year’s Day!” Meir told The Post. “A hangover at work, however, can suggest a lack of self-awareness or even care, which can affect how reliable and professional you are perceived to be — especially at the start of a new year.”
Meir also cautioned that New Year’s Eve revelers who need to show up for work the next morning may not realize just how prominently their behavior and cognitive abilities — not to mention post-booze bouquet — can be affected by alcohol the morning after.
“You may still smell of alcohol,” said Meir. “Effects like slower thinking, lower patience, forgetfulness, and mistakes can impact not just your work, but the people around you … You do not want colleagues picking up the slack or tiptoeing around you because you are not fully functional.”
Alexis, a 29-year-old based in NYC, experienced this lack of full functionality at her job as a marketing manager the night after her birthday dinner this past year. After leaving for work at 7 a.m. from a partner’s house after only going to sleep at 2 a.m., she initially had a false sense of confidence that she was “going to be fine” — then quickly realized that she felt anything but.
“I was violently ill,” Alexis told The Post with a laugh. “I made it through the day and did my work, but I would never do that again.”
For those who must show face at the office the next day — and don’t have to perform any physically dangerous tasks as part of their job — Meir advised that the best thing to do is to “minimize impact.”
“Take extra care with grooming and be sure to shower,” Meir noted. “Stay hydrated, eat something gentle, and keep your behavior calm and polished. Start with low-risk tasks and avoid big decisions until you are fully clear-headed. If you are a bit off at the start of the day, a brief acknowledgment and a return to solid work go a long way!”
Post-tipsy tips
While it’s never advisable to show up to the office hungover — New Year’s Day or not — working after a raucous night out is sometimes simply unavoidable. To muscle through the workday with a bit more grace, try some of the expert-approved tips and tricks below.
Dress for comfort — while keeping things classy
“I always believe in being intentional with your wardrobe, and it’s especially helpful to present like you are feeling good — even if you are hungover in the office setting,” Natalie Tincher, the founder of BU Style, told The Post. “Clothing can be a powerful tool to signal that you are showing up ready to work and respect the work environment. “
“Lean toward fabrics that feel cozy but look polished, like a sweater dress and boots or nice pants with some stretch and a soft knit,” Tincher added. “Think about accessories as an easy way to signal that you put in effort. A color near your face that works well with your skin tone will also go a long way to hide signs of a hangover!”
Take extra care with skincare
“Your pre-party game should involve hydration via water intake, with a good dose of electrolytes to really hold and distribute the water from within,” Kristen May Lee, the lead esthetician at NYC’s Onda Beauty, told The Post. “Topically, a good helping of a water-soluble serum that has hydrating ingredients will serve as fine line prevention.”
“When the evening is done, I’d recommend a double cleanse, starting with something oil- based to really take off makeup, followed by something that emulsifies,” Lee continued. “Use vigorous massage in an upward outward motion to increase circulation, which will be your best friend in helping you not have a stagnant, hungover complexion come morning.”
Eat a hearty, balanced breakfast — and limit libations the night before (Sorry!)
“When celebrating with alcohol, your prep matters,” Deb Malkoff-Cohen, a registered dietician and diabetes care specialist with over 20 years of experience, told The Post. “Going into the night hydrated and continuing to drink water throughout the evening can significantly reduce hangover symptoms.”
“Eating a well-balanced meal beforehand is also essential, focusing on protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates,” Malkoff-Cohen continued. “Super sugary drinks and desserts should be limited, as they worsen dehydration and blood sugar swings.”
“The day after drinking, recovery should focus on hydration, blood sugar balance and protein intake,” she added.
“Start the morning with water/electrolytes before coffee or tea, as caffeine worsens dehydration. Meals should be easy to digest, combining carbohydrates with protein while avoiding greasy foods that can aggravate nausea.”
