Photo by Kevin Briody

Don’t let a horrible hangover ruin what could be the best time of your life. Your limited days in Miami for Winter Music Conference must not be cut short!

You wake up: your head is pounding, dry mouth crying out for water, and you’re quickly scrambling for anything to block out the blinding light. But this is THE week and there’s no time for hangovers, and if you have friends like mine, one of them will be along any minute with a cold Budweiser to kick start the day.

That said, here are a few tips that should keep you party ready….

1) Prepare for the inevitable. Everyone knows that they should drink water before the end of the night. Keeping hydrated is crucial, and that will go a long way to making sure you can keep dancing all week long. You can buy water anywhere…but beware, most clubs charge $5+ for a bottle!

2) Make sure you eat. Food is essential to keep you going, and a carb-loaded meal can help you recover from the heavy day/night before, and get you set for the next party.

3) Preparing yourself is half of the battle and a great start, but make sure you don’t burn out after a few hours by drinking an energy drink in-between mojitos. Bananas are a great mid-party snack, as they contain digestible carbs, dietary fiber and are high in potassium, ideal for replenishing the energy and minerals that you’ve sweated out on the dance floor.

4) Take drugs. There are plenty of supplements available in pharmacies such as Walgreens that can help you to recover. Those such as 5-HTP that ‘help support a relaxed mood’ will naturally increase your body’s serotonin levels, making you feel better. Naturally.

5) Chances are you won’t be sticking to a healthy diet during WMC. Make sure you keep your vitamin levels up by taking a multivitamin every day. Stock up on supplies from your nearest pharmacy when you arrive, or raid your bathroom cabinets before you leave. Always take vitamins with food to avoid an upset stomach.

6) If you can handle it, try some exercise. Join the joggers along the path running between Ocean Drive and the beach. Sweating is one of the most effective ways for the body to get rid of toxins- just remember to stay out of the way of the beautiful people with your perspiration. If you are in a hotel that has a steam room or sauna, get in and just hope other people don’t mind the smell of booze.

7) Quit feeling sorry for yourself and get to the fridge or the bar and order up another drink. Your body will be pleased with some alcohol, in the short term at least. Remember, WMC is a marathon, not a sprint, and you’ll only have yourself to blame if you spend the last few days in bed suffering while the rest of us are out having the time of our lives, so take it slow(ish).

8) My top tip is to make sure you have a few days to recover after WMC. The effects of each day are cumulative, and these days are essential to allow your body to wind down and recover from a crazy and unforgettable week.

Have a fun-filled and hangover-free WMC!