We've all faced that familiar Sunday morning struggle: a pounding headache, a desperate craving for greasy food, and a complete lack of willpower to put on proper clothes and face the world. For one group of friends in Wales, this common dilemma led to an ingenious and hilarious solution that saved them a dreaded trip downstairs.
The Great Hangover Takeaway Heist
Angel Sweetman, 24, found herself in this exact scenario with her three friends, Latisha, Caitlian, and Celsea. After a night out, the group, based in Cardiff, had ordered a comforting feast from Slim Chickens via Deliveroo. However, the thought of traipsing down three flights of stairs to meet the delivery driver was a step too far for their hungover states.
Instead of braving the journey, they hatched a plan worthy of a comedy sketch. Rummaging through their home, they gathered every dressing gown cord they could find. With a bit of creative knot-tying, they fashioned an impromptu, six-piece rope pulley system. Leaning out of their window, they dangled their homemade lifeline down to the street below, much like a modern-day, fast-food-seeking Rapunzel.
A Gamble That Paid Off
The next challenge was convincing the delivery rider to play along. To the friends' delight, the driver saw the funny side. He carefully attached their order of Slim Chickens to the end of the knotted cords. Then came the tense moment of truth: hauling the precious cargo up without sending it tumbling to the pavement.
Angel took charge of the operation, successfully reeling in the bag of food all the way to their third-floor window without a single mishap. The room erupted in hysterics as the mission was accomplished. "We were crying with laughter the whole time," recalled Angel, who works as a beautician. "We used six ropes and it worked perfectly. The driver found the request funny. We all came up with the idea. Best believe he got tipped for this!"
How to Avoid Needing Your Own Pulley System
While Angel and her friends' story is a brilliant example of hangover ingenuity, most of us would prefer to avoid the throbbing head and nausea altogether. Here are some scientifically-backed tips to help you recover faster and keep your dressing gown cords for their intended purpose.
1. Rehydrate, Rehydrate, Rehydrate
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it dehydrates your body. Combat this by drinking plenty of water before bed and when you wake up. For an extra boost, consider drinks rich in electrolytes, like sports drinks, coconut water, or oral rehydration solutions, to restore your body's balance.
2. Don't Forget to Eat
Having some food can help stabilise your blood sugar levels, which alcohol consumption often disrupts. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest options like toast, crackers, bananas, or a simple soup to settle your stomach.
3. Prioritise Rest
Sleep is one of your body's most powerful recovery tools. If you can, go back to bed or at least rest. Your body uses this time to process toxins and repair itself, which can significantly shorten your suffering.
4. Consider Vitamin Supplements
Alcohol depletes essential nutrients, particularly B vitamins and vitamin C. Some people find that taking supplements of these vitamins can help alleviate hangover symptoms and support recovery.
5. Steer Clear of 'Hair of the Dog'
Drinking more alcohol might provide temporary relief, but it only postpones the inevitable and can make the eventual hangover worse. Instead, try ginger or peppermint tea, which are known for their ability to soothe nausea and settle an upset stomach.
