January 1st is often referred to as the “Most Hungover Day” worldwide, as people recover from the festivities of New Year’s Eve. Across the globe, this day is spent in unique, sometimes amusing ways, with a common theme of rest, comfort, and recovery. Here’s a look at how people around the world coped with their first day of the year.

Sleeping It Off

For many, the ultimate cure was staying in bed. After a night of partying, countless people opted to sleep late, letting their bodies recover from the excesses of the evening. Cosy blankets, darkened rooms, and a commitment to staying horizontal were the priorities.

Comfort Food and Hydration

Greasy breakfasts, steaming bowls of soup, or carb-loaded meals were the go-to choices for fighting hangovers. In the US, brunch spots were packed with people indulging in pancakes and eggs, while in Ireland, a full Irish breakfast helped soak up the effects of the night before. Around the world, traditional remedies like miso soup in Japan, birria in Mexico, and pickled herring in Scandinavia were popular.

Hydration was key, with water, sports drinks, and electrolyte-packed beverages consumed en masse. Some turned to “hair of the dog” drinks like Bloody Marys or Mimosas, hoping to lessen the hangover’s sting.

Lazy TV Binges

Streaming services saw a surge in activity as people stayed home, curled up on sofas, and binged their favourite shows. From revisiting classic comfort series to diving into new releases, television provided an escape from pounding headaches and tired bodies.

Outdoor Refreshers

For the brave, crisp New Year’s Day walks became a popular choice. Parks and beaches were bustling with those looking to clear their heads with fresh air. Some communities embraced polar bear swims—plunging into freezing waters as a bold way to kick off the year.

Self-Care and Reflection

Many took a quieter approach, indulging in self-care rituals like warm baths, face masks, or meditation. The start of a new year also inspired reflection, with people setting resolutions, journaling, or reading motivational books to prepare for a fresh start.

Global Traditions

In Italy, leftover lentils from New Year’s Eve were enjoyed as a symbol of good luck. In Spain, people snacked on churros with hot chocolate to soothe tired bodies. Meanwhile, in South Korea, rice cake soup was a traditional dish to mark the New Year.

Social Media Sharing

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok were flooded with memes, hangover cures, and stories of the night before. People connected over shared experiences, laughing at their collective struggles and sharing tips to survive the day.

The Universal Theme: Taking It Easy

No matter where you were, January 1st was about embracing rest and rejuvenation. Whether it was through food, laughter, or quiet moments of reflection, people worldwide took the day to recover, reset, and ease into the new year.

Here’s to starting the year with comfort and calm—however you spent it!