Post-Patty's Day

Congratulations on surviving St. Patrick's Day! And assuming, of course, that you did celebrate this most jovial of holidays with great gusto and thirst, I think it is safe to say that today you might be feeling a bit under-the-weather. And whether it is a pounding hangover headache or a corned beef-induced case of cramps, I have a few tips to help get you through this workday, so that you can get on with your weekend.

First, a nice long shower is an important part of any morning-after routine. In the case of St. Patrick's Day, you'll need to wash off the smell of beer, cabbage, and sweaty leprechauns before heading out to work. (Not to mention the green face paint, glitter, and lipstick that somehow found its way onto your face during the night – a makeup situation that probably makes you look somewhat like an effeminate Hulk, let's be honest here.)

And don't forget to brush your teeth after your shower. Aside from the fact that nobody enjoys corned beef breath, all that green beer has probably given those pearly whites a nice patina.

Second, if you have no qualms about drinking in the morning (I see no reason why you should – after last night, this is really no time to start feigning prudishness.), why not fix yourself a Blood Mary? A touch more alcohol and that headache is sure to go away. And if you're still feeling in a festive mood, why not make the drink with spinach or wheat grass juice instead of the traditional tomato juice? Not only will it be nutritious, but the green color makes for the perfect post-St. Patty's Day pick-me-up.

Third, take today to reaffirm those New Year's weight-loss resolutions. Get on that treadmill... Go climb that mountain... Do what you have intended to do for months now. Not only will you be accomplishing something you've wanted to do for a while now, but chances are you'll also sweat off some of that excess alcohol. Just be sure to take a shower again after your workout. Otherwise, you'll just go into work smelling like a drunken sumo wrestler.

And lastly, if all else fails, do as the Irish do (or at least as I've heard they do) – ask a friend to bury you neck-deep in moist river sand. I have no idea what this does for your hangover, but I did once meet a man from Kilmaine that swore by it. Of course, he also said that a good Irish sand scrub could cure any ailment – from bunions to bronchitis. Which does bring into question his credibility...