“Hangxiety.” What It Is and 3 Must-Dos in Dealing With It.
For most people, hangovers involve headaches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea. While all of those symptoms are unpleasant, “Hangxiety” brings a new low: feeling anxious.
Ever since turning 30, I’ve noticed Hangover Anxiety coming to join the day-after party. So, along with the headache and dehydration, I now sometimes experience a general worry and panic that linger for a day or two post drinking.
As someone who is no stranger to anxiety, “Hangxiety” is a phenomenon that plagues more people than we think. In fact, in a recent article medically reviewed by Dr. P. E. Pancoast, over 22% of people polled reported experiencing Hangover Anxiety.
The science behind it relates to brain functioning and specific neurotransmitters that alcohol affects. Alcohol also affects other bodily functions that contribute to this Hangover Anxiety.
Symptoms of “Hangxiety” include:
Nervousness
Irritability
Feeling panicked
Increased heart rate and breath
Sweating
Fatigue and weakness
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
GI and digestion disruption
Just reading the list above is OOF!
If you are someone who experiences “Hangxiety” like I do, try these 3 behaviors that I find helpful in managing the unpleasant symptoms.
1) MOVE
I know it might be the last thing on your mind, but getting up and being active can help you work up a sweat and reduce the negative feelings of a hangover and anxiety. Whether a power walk, yoga class, or even some light spinning, get yourself moving! * Hydration comes hand in hand. Drink plenty of fluids
2) Eat “Anxiety Reducing Foods” INSTEAD Of “Hangover Reducing Foods”
Typical “hangover reducing foods” are the delicious, greasy meals we crave post night out:
Bacon, Egg & Cheese
Burgers
Pizza
Chili Fries
They are delicious, but they also cause inflammation in the body which can worsen all your symptoms. Yikes!
Instead, go for “Anxiety Reducing Foods” which will help with inflammation and give your body helpful nutrients. Try:
Sushi: the fatty-fish omega-3s will help with inflammation
A Vegetable Omelette: eggs have a compound called choline that helps break down alcohol
Dark Chocolate: a personal favorite! Not only does it have tryptophan, which the body uses to turn into mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, but its magnesium helps reduce feelings of stress.
3) Keep Busy
Just sitting on the couch and staring at the wall can be a sure way to start racking up a list of all your to-dos, and feeling even more stressed about the things that need to be handled. By actively relaxing, like reading a book, having a phone conversation with a friend or even going out for a meal, you can help manage your stress by staying busy and not giving yourself time to ruminate.
Of course, taking a break from alcohol is always an option. However, if you are someone who enjoys going out every so often and is looking to try some new strategies for post-drink stress reduction, I hope you find these suggestions helpful and worthwhile in finding the balance between having fun while drinking and honoring your body in recovery and rest.