Many see the morning after a heavy night of drinks as a date with the hangover demon - a formidable foe that comes bearing the gifts of headaches, nausea, and overwhelming fatigue. While hangovers are individually unique and recovery can stretch as long as 24 hours or more, we're here to provide hardcore, sensible, and quick relief tactics; certainly better than hoping if you lay still enough in bed, it just might go away.

You see, our bodies are like a needy but very good-looking significant other, constantly demanding attention in the form of hydration. While the specifics vary, the average Joe needs about 15.5 cups of fluids per day and our lovely Jolene about 11.5 cups. Pop that bottle alright, but not champagne - it's time for water. Alcohol is notorious for dehydrating our haughty bodies, so it's critical to quench its thirst.

Just chugging water you say? Wait. We're just getting to the good part. Along with water, our hangover-stricken bodies love electrolyte-rich drinks like sports drinks, Pedialyte, and coconut water - they come loaded with all the right stuff to keep your body hydrated. It's kind of like your body's personal assistant; replenishing everything you squandered the night before.

Contrary to tipsy hallucinations, alcohol doesn't offer quality sleep; it's a meager imposter. The next day, respect your body's plea for rest. Think of it as a day designated for self-care, so pamper yourself with a nap. You always deserved an excuse to slack off anyway!

That throbbing headache is begging for an over-the-counter pain relief, but let's be selective. Choose NSAIDs like Advil or Aleve. Sorry Tylenol, we adore you, but your ingredient - acetaminophen - might engage too well with alcohol, potentially leading to liver damage.

And hey, remember that nutrition is not just for Instagram posts. Consuming nutritious carbohydrates like whole grains and fruits helps you combat the sneaky hypoglycemia – a catalyst for your hangover symptoms, caused by alcohol.

You thought caffeine was your savior? Not quite, we have mixed feelings about this one. Regular coffee-drinkers might find their hangover headache pacified, but for the non-regulars, it might stir up additional trouble. And perhaps a couple of extra clicks on WebMD.

Breakfast. The hero of the day - just be conscious of your choices. Avoiding greasy comfort meals, choose easy-to-digest, nutritious breakfast foods. Pair it with antioxidant-rich goodies to fight inflammation and assist with the alcohol recovery process.

In the aftermath of a night of drinking, "hair of the dog" methods might sound appealing, but don't fall for it. It’s akin to speeding up on bumpy roads; you're only damaging your car even more. The best defense against hangovers is, unsurprisingly, prevention – and this includes setting limits on alcohol consumption.

Finally, steer clear of so-called miracle “hangover supplements." Science hasn’t stamped its approval yet. All we can suggest is considering your drinking habits, staying well informed, and as always, hydrate before forwarding the memes titled "pray for my liver" because it can only take so much, friend.

So the next time you find yourself in the dreaded throes of a hangover, remember these expert-approved tips. Hangovers may seem inevitable after a social night out, but with the right tactics and a dollop of precaution, their grips can be loosened. Keep pushing, keep hydrating, and always remember: falling isn't failure, it's more flooring!