You wake up at 10:00. Even though you were counting on sleeping until 14:00. You can’t go back to sleep; there’s light coming in from the window; you have a headache; you are starving. You want to stay in bed all day.
But there are things you can do to make your hungover day more productive than just cuddling a pillow on the couch, wishing you had a TV.
Start with Elephants and Bagels just off campus by Nicolson Square. Although pretty busy at lunch hours during the week, it’s a great place to have brunch during the weekends – either with friends or even by yourself – on the small tables by the window that allow you to spy on passers-by while you think about last night. The wall decor is unique to say the least, being covered with elephant drawings, the atmosphere is always relaxed, the staff are friendly and they have student discounts! My personal suggestions include the classic smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, and the pesto, cream cheese and tomato bagel. Although for early comers, scrambled eggs, bacon and tomatoes make an excellent start to the day.
After this, how about a walk around Holyrood Park? You probably walk past the Meadows every day, so why not spice things up a bit and head towards Arthur’s Seat. There are three lochs around Arthur’s Seat: St Margaret’s, Dunsapie and Duddingston, all with amazing views of the park. Walking around the park might be too much of an effort after a late night out, so chilling to music or book is a also good option. Spotify has its own playlist for hangovers, ‘Hangover friendly Singer-Songwriter’ and there is a small second-hand bookshop across the Meadows, Tills, that offers books at reasonable prices.
By mid-afternoon you energy will be running low, so hit the coffee. There are tonnes of coffee shops around Edinburgh and you must have your own favourite, but it’s a good time to try something new. Mimi’s Bakehouse in Canongate offers frothy, milky goodnesses, small, intimate tables and cute decorations, not to mention a dangerous range of delicious muffins and brownies. When the caffeine rush fades out and sleepiness kicks back in, don’t just go back to bed! Grab a friend, buy a big bag of popcorn, sit back and crash into each other’s arms for a cheesy romantic comedy.
To finish off, buy a big pot of ice cream on your way home or order some Chinese noodles. There’s a place near Pollock Halls, Green Garden Grove, that delivers the ultimate hangover curing noodles.
Then, and only then, go to sleep.