Have you ever woken up the next day after partying with feelings of anxiety or worry about what happened the night before? If this is you, you’re not alone. ‘Hangxiety‘ or Hangover Anxiety is a common post-drinking experience along with physical symptoms such as headache, nausea, or trouble focusing. Before we delve into personality traits or baseline anxiety levels that might affect hangxiety, it is imperative to remember that a lot of the anxious thoughts and feelings you experience after drinking may stem from chemical changes occurring in the brain.
Some of the key personality traits that are prone to experiencing hangxiety:
Neuroticism: If you’re high on the neuroticism scale, hangxiety might just be your worst enemy. This personality trait brings along heightened emotional ups and downs and a tendency to sweat the small stuff. So, when the hangover rolls in, it’s not just the headache that gets you—those racing thoughts and worries can ramp up the anxiety. It’s like your brain is on overdrive, replaying every little thing you said or did.
Shyness and Introversion: Studies show that shy people often feel a big increase in anxiety after drinking, which might even put them at risk of relying on alcohol more. It’s a tough cycle: you feel awkward in social settings and grab a drink to calm your nerves. But then, the next day, you’re left with a huge bag of anxiety clinging to you. It’s a classic case of trying to feel better, only to end up feeling worse.
Difficulty with Emotion Regulation: If you have a tough time managing your emotions or handling stress, dealing with the mental side of a hangover can be challenging. When your mental skills aren’t on point—like your memory and ability to adapt your thinking—it can make it even harder to handle anxiety. So, if you’re already struggling to keep it together, a hangover might just feel like a mountain you can’t climb.
So, the next time you wake up after a night of partying and feel that wave of anxiety wash over you, remember that you’re not alone in this struggle. Hangxiety is a real phenomenon that many experience and it often stems from a mix of personality traits and the way our brains react to alcohol. Whether it’s finding healthier coping mechanisms or simply being kinder to yourself, there are ways to manage hangxiety and break the cycle. After all, life’s too short to let anxiety kill your vibe—let’s just try to make tomorrow a little brighter!
