Image via Complex Original
Now that swamp ass season is officially here, let the endless barbecues and rooftop brunches be of comfort to you in the scorching city heat. It's Independence Day. Remember that celebrating our great nation isn’t limited to fireworks and stuffing your body with food outrageously smothered in barbecue sauce. It's about breaking out your talents from college to help you survive a full day of drinking with your boys (and family, of course.) So, save the embarrassment. Don’t be weak. Here are helpful tips to prevent fallen soldiers on this 3-day weekend.
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Have a game plan.
Before you get too wasted, figure out where you are headed for the day. Being drunk and ending up back in the house is no fun. Resort to GroupMe and begin to plan where the drunken day will go. After that, it' ll be smooth sailing.
Stay hydrated.
The Most Interesting Man in the World said it best, "stay thirsty, my friends." And no, I'm not talking about creeps on Tinder. Practically drown yourselves in water, people. The day is going to be a drag, and the best way to ensure your body is up for the challenge is to drink as much fluid as you can. Water pregame is a must. Combining alcohol and heat can be a crazy thing, but your body will appreciate you for the fresh, cold water—if not you'll be the weak ass over the public toilet by noon.
Get some rest.
Night owls better check grandma's medicine cabinet for some Sleepytime Herbal tea, because you're going to need it. Nothing's worse than being drained in muggy air that you can barely breathe in. The night before needs to be chill. Relaxed. Get your mind right for the epic day approaching.
Eat a balanced breakfast.
Drinking on an empty stomach is the worst decision you will ever make. Trust. You know how bacon and cheese seem to cure the meanest hangover? Do yourself a favor and instead of skipping breakfast and going straight for the Bloody Mary, have a hearty, well-balanced breakfast to prepare your stomach for the oncoming debauchery. (Bonus points if you carry a few Kind Bars or trailmix in your bag to help keep your energy high throughout the afternoon.)
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Brunch will include bottomless mimosas, the day party you're going to has an open bar, and you just got word that your friend is throwing a barbecue later in the day. All of this means pacing yourself. Pace is the most important strategy to day drinking. You don't want to go HAM too early and tap out before making it to the event you looked forward to the most. On top of that, your pace affects everyone else in the group. No one wants to babysit a grown-ass man. Don't be that guy.
Avoid the multiple rounds of shots.
Lightweights, this one's for you. As tempting as it is to take shots with your friends, don't let them influence you to participate in the round that is sure to viciously jab you with a K.O. Chill and keep nursing your current glass. The minute you push that liquor back up, you'll be hit with the ultimate party foul (and an embarrassing kick to the curb from the restaurant, of course.)
Stay away from energy drinks.
Sure, you've had a popping Cherry Bomb from your bartender from time to time, but mixing energy drinks with liquor can be a dangerous thing. It's a potent kryptonite that will have you off your rocker before the day is over. According to Potsdam.edu, energy drinks cause an extraction of fluid from your body. In other words, you may not end up with the wings that Red Bull promises. You will, however, have one hell of a hangover.
