How To Deal With "Hangxiety" After A Night Of Drinking, From Psychologists

There are several reasons hangovers can cause people to feel anxious—some of them influenced by chemical factors, and others by social factors.

"Alcohol causes a high level of endorphins to be released, so we're temporarily depleted of that feel-good neurotransmitter," clinical psychologist Perpetua Neo, DClinPsy, explains. "Meaning the 'come-down' feeling can make us uncomfortable and anxious."

If you wake up feeling anxious after a night of drinking, don't suppress those feelings: Tend to them.

The first step may be relieving yourself of the physical and physiological symptoms of a hangover. "When our body isn't feeling its best, it's harder to manage or contain unpleasant emotions," Abrams says. "Water, rest, nourishing yourself with healthy foods...and taking medication for a headache can also help manage anxiety, even if it doesn't eliminate it."

Deep belly breaths can work wonders, too. "[Breathwork] actually resets your brain, making sure your higher brain (the part that makes you human!) comes back online after being hijacked by your primitive fear center," Neo says.

Though it may be tempting, try not to replay the events of the previous night. "They may make you feel worse about yourself, as well as helpless because you can't change what has already happened," Abrams tells us. Instead, she suggests seeking emotional support from a friend or finding healthy distraction in the form of a book, a TV show you like, a nature walk, or a creative outlet like coloring. 

Believe it or not, there are ways to prevent hangxiety without giving up alcohol altogether. 

First and foremost: Make sure your body is well-fed and well-hydrated before drinking, Neo says. Research shows that food, particularly carbohydrates, can slow the absorption of alcohol1 into the bloodstream. "You might also institute a limit that someone can hold you accountable to," she suggests. 

Here at mbg, we believe alcohol can be part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. However, if your drinking habits are consistently affecting your life and other people's lives, it might be time to reevaluate your relationship to it. "A telltale sign is when you can't function well without it, and you have to hide it from others," Neo says. If this sounds like you, she suggests examining why you're drinking: Is it a form of avoidance, escapism, a salve for social anxiety, or something else?