Today is the most hungover day of the year, research finds

Plus the best things to eat, drink and do to get over your hangover

Feeling a little delicate today? Head pounding, stomach churning, not sure whether you need to throw up or eat? Pondering whether you might actually still be a bit drunk?

Well, you’re probably not alone in your tragic hungover state - today is the most hungover day of the year.

Yes, it has been discovered that 14 December is officially the day of the year when the most people are hungover. Or the day when they’re talking about their hangovers online, anyway.

Researchers monitored major social media channels to discover when people were most likely to post messages mentioning the word ‘hangover’. And it's today. Which perhaps isn't surprising given it's peak Christmas party season.

The study was commissioned by Ford to highlight the risks of driving the morning after a night of drinking, when many drivers are still over the legal drink driving limit.

Surprisingly, 10 per cent of drink driving arrests take place between 6am and 8am.

“There’s no way of knowing exactly how long it takes to sober up completely the morning after, but it’s longer than many people think,” says Charlie Brunning from Brake.

“If you had a heavy or late night drinking this festive season you could be over the limit for all of the next day so make your travel arrangements in advance.”

But if you’re struggling today, there are ways you can increase your chances of feeling human again, as nutritionist Amanda Hamilton explains.

Here’s what you need to do to get over a hangover:

1. Drink lots of water

“Sip throughout the day, aiming for approximately 1.5-2 litres each day, but remember you’ll get some of this from food,” says Hamilton. Your urine should be straw coloured - any darker and you’re dehydrated.

2. Choose your breakfast wisely

If you can stomach food in the morning, Hamilton recommends eggs with avocado and tomatoes. Most of us, however, crave carbs on a hangover, so if you fancy toast, Hamilton recommends sourdough as it’s easier on a sensitive stomach. Toast with nut butter is a simple and healthy option too.

“If you can’t face food first thing, start with a homemade smoothie with a coconut water to hydrate and replenish lost electrolytes together with banana and spinach, or vitamin C rich berries,” Hamilton advises.

3. Coffee and exercise will help

“If you need to be mentally sharp, fast, try coconut oil in a boosting coffee,” Hamilton says. She also recommends a short HIIT workout, if the prospect of moving doesn’t make you feel nauseous.

“It won’t speed up the rate that alcohol is metabolised or detoxified but the endorphin release could boost your mood. Just keep water handy so you don’t become even more dehydrated.”

4. Take a bath with magnesium salts

If nothing else works, magnesium salts for a long, hot bath and go back to bed.

Top 10 foods to eat to beat the hangover:

• Coconut water
• Greek yoghurt
• Oats
• Nut butter
• Soup
• Salmon
• Avocado
• Eggs
• Tomatoes
• Sourdough bread

So if you're struggling at your desk today, there's really only one solution: eat.