Mental Health
Mind
Hangxiety: Why do we feel anxious during a hangover?
May 24th, 2022 at 7:31 am
How to deal with the next-day-nerves
We all need to let loose once in a while, but sometimes these uplifting nights end quite the opposite – with a hangover. Hangovers differ from person to person, but they usually involve a headache, nausea, tiredness and, sometimes, anxiety. Have you ever experienced hangover-induced anxiety?
Also known as hangxiety, this noticeable increase in anxiety occurs the day after heavy drinking. It will have you regretting the night before and worrying about what you might have said or done. You could feel more nervous while waiting for your friends to recover from their own hangovers and fill you in on what happened.
Why does it happen?
There isn’t a single cause for hangover-induced anxiety, but those who experience anxiety in general may be more susceptible to it. These negative feelings during a hangover could also stem from the physical symptoms of a hangover, alcohol withdrawal, emotional withdrawal, medication use, alcohol intolerance or guilt from drinking.
How to cope with it
There is no quick cure for hangovers, but you can ease the discomfort with self-care. Tend to your physical needs first with good hydration, gut-healing food, and more sleep. To help reduce your anxiety, explore calming techniques such as deep breathing, meditating and practising mindfulness. If your hangxiety doesn’t go away within 24 hours, or you feel the need to drink more alcohol to deal with it, it could be a sign of something more serious and you should consider seeking professional help.
How to avoid it
Set some boundaries for yourself on your next night out, but if you still don’t trust yourself – ask a friend to help you stay within your limits. Drink slowly and in moderation with water breaks in between each drink. You should also plan ahead to make sure you don’t drink on an empty stomach and are able to get enough sleep to recover from the next time you drink.
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