Why Your Festive Drinks Trigger ‘Hangxiety’—and How to Avoid It
The alcoholic drinks causing you the dreaded HANGXIETY this Christmas - and what to have instead
THE morning after a night out is often rough. From battling a relentless headache, a nausea to crushing 'HANGXIETY', alcohol's euphoria often returns with a vengeance.
Many people experience a wave of ANXIETY after a night of drinking, a feeling now widely known as 'HANGXIETY'. This mix of hangover and stress can leave individuals battling WORRY, UNEASE, and even REGRET the morning after. The way alcohol affects the BRAIN and body plays a major role in these unpleasant after-effects.
Alcohol initially boosts dopamine, creating a short-lived sense of euphoria. But once the body processes it, dopamine levels plummet, often leading to LOW MOOD and ANXIETY. The brain’s GABA receptors, which normally calm the nervous system, become disrupted by heavy drinking, adding to the TENSION.
HANGXIETY stems from how alcohol alters BRAIN CHEMISTRY and how different drinks affect the body. Lighter, lower-alcohol choices tend to cause FEWER PROBLEMS than heavy spirits or sugary cocktails. Making mindful decisions about what to drink could help reduce the RISK of waking up with ANXIETY and REGRET.
