Labor Day weekend is here. For many of us, it’s become an unofficial, “God-given” right to kick back, fire up the grill, and get absolutely… wrecked. From Friday night straight through to Monday evening, it can feel like a non-stop party.

But let’s be honest: how many times have you ended a holiday weekend feeling more drained than refreshed? How many Tuesday mornings have been spent nursing a brutal hangover, checking your phone with a sense of dread, or dealing with the fallout from something you don’t even remember saying?

That anxiety you feel—the hidden fear that this might be the weekend your family finally has enough—is real. I’ve been there. But what if you could actually enjoy the weekend? Have fun, have a few drinks, and still wake up feeling human, remembering all the good times?

It’s possible. You don’t have to choose between complete sobriety and total chaos. There is a middle ground. After years of navigating this myself, I’ve developed a simple plan for what I call the “Horrible Holidays.” Here’s how you can get through Labor Day with balance, peace, and no regrets.

The 3 Rules for a Regret-Free Holiday Weekend

1. The Golden Rule: NO BACK-TO-BACK DAYS.
This is the most important rule. If you drink on Friday night, make Saturday a mandatory recovery day. Your body is not a trash can; it needs time to process the alcohol, rehydrate, and reset. This isn’t a day of deprivation—it’s a day of strategic replenishment.

How to Utilize Your Saturday:

• Rehydrate: This is your #1 job. Drink water and electrolytes. Your body is begging for them.
• Replenish: Support your liver with what it needs. Consider taking supplements like Turmeric or Milk Thistle, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and liver-supporting properties.
• Restore: Get some probiotics in your system (yogurt and supplements) to help your gut health. Eat real, nourishing food. Go for a walk. Your goal is to wake up on Sunday feeling restored, not still hungover.

2. Set Hard Limits for Sunday.
When you drink on Sunday, go in with a plan. This isn’t about willpower in the moment; it’s about strategy beforehand.

• Limit Quantity: Decide on your number before you start. Is it 4 beers? 2 glasses of wine? 3 cocktails? Stick to it.
• Set a Time Limit: This is a game-changer. Decide what time you will have your last drink. “I’m stopping at 7 PM” or “I’m done two hours before we leave the party.” This gives you back a sense of control. You are no longer a passenger on the drunk train; you are the driver.

3. Focus on the Positive Outcome (Hello, Monday!).
Keep your eyes on the prize. Why are you doing this? For the incredible feeling you’ll have on Monday morning.

• Minimize Hangovers: By following these rules, you drastically cut down the physical pain.
• Eliminate Blackouts & Regret: You will remember the fun you had and avoid saying or doing things you’ll later apologize for.
• Actually Enjoy the Moment: You’ll be present with your friends and family, making real memories instead of just blurry ones.

This weekend doesn’t have to be another cycle of anxiety and regret. It’s about freedom. Freedom from hangovers, freedom from shame, and freedom to truly enjoy your life.

Have a safe, fun, and remarkable Labor Day weekend.