Skip to main content

How to banish hangxiety (which you’ve definitely felt but never had a name for)

Have you ever had hangxiety? You may had experienced it without noticing it

You’ve likely heard of hangovers and anxiety. However, have you heard of hangxiety?

The hangxiety meaning is pretty simple to figure out.  It’s a term used to describe the anxiety that comes after drinking too much. You may worry that something you said or did came off the wrong way. Worse, you may not remember what you said or did and feel concerned you may have hurt someone or embarrassed yourself.

two men drinking beer at work
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s a science to hangxiety. Alcohol boosts the amount of dopamine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, but the happy, calming feelings are short-lived. Once the levels return to an individual’s normal, they may begin to feel anxious and alcohol withdrawal, marked by symptoms such as headache and fatigue. Disrupted sleep, a common issue caused by alcohol, doesn’t help someone’s mood.

Recommended Videos

You’ll want to keep an eye on your symptoms. Hangxiety symptoms include:

  • Worry and regret
  • Poring over text messages to re-read what you wrote
  • Fatigue
  • Rumination
  • Sending apologies to everyone you hung out with while drinking
pouring beer at a bar
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The term isn’t new, but it has gained steam in recent years. An actual study on hangxiety from 2019 indicated that people who commonly suffer from hangxiety, especially those considered extremely shy, may be more prone to developing alcohol use disorder. What’s more, the pandemic triggered a rise in drinking, which research links to liver disease, and personal anecdotes associate it with an uptick in hangxiety. Though normalcy has resumed for many people, that also means the return of in-person holiday gatherings, which means your courteous colleague can’t mute over-imbibed individuals for their own good when these office parties happened on Zoom.

Not to be those people, but avoiding hangxiety is pretty straightforward: Drink responsibly and in moderation. Men who consumed five or more drinks during an occasion have engaged in binge drinking, according to the CDC. Limit your drinking, and alternate between alcoholic beverages and water to reduce the possibility of dehydration.

If you’re already battling hangxiety and regretting last night, then you’ll want to manage your physical and emotional symptoms. The first part is easy: Drink plenty of water, eat light foods, sleep, and take the recommended dose of an OTC if it’s necessary. As for the emotional symptoms, meditate and try to put the night in perspective — apologize if it’s warranted, but also remember most people judge themselves more harshly than others do.

If you’re struggling with drinking, anxiety, or hangxiety symptoms, reach out to a mental health professional. Psychology Today has a directory.

BethAnn Mayer
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
How much protein is in steak? Here’s a breakdown of how much you’re getting
Steak and protein: How much you’re actually getting
Steak on a cutting board

Steak has long been deemed an excellent protein-packed food, loved by fitness enthusiasts, unabashed carnivores, and anyone who enjoys a hearty, satisfying meal. But how much protein does steak actually contain? And how does it compare to other protein sources? In reality, how much protein in steak or any other food source for protein depends on various factors, such as the portion size.

If you're looking to get the most out of your steak—whether to build muscle, begin a high-protein diet, or simply to make informed nutritional choices—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about steak and its protein content.
How much protein is in a serving of steak?

Read more
Cold brew vs. espresso: Which one should you order next time?
Comparing flavor, caffeine content, and acidity
Cold brew coffee

Whenever I visit a coffee shop or find myself in a coffee drive-through, my mind runs through dozens of orders. A cold brew is an excellent order for when I'm in the mood for something to sip on slowly, but a shot of espresso hits the spot when I want something fast and slightly bitter. Though I love both coffee drinks, there's a right time and a place to order a cold brew vs. an espresso. Below, let's compare cold brew vs. espresso regarding acidity, caffeine content, and taste. Next time you find yourself unsure which to order you'll go with, you'll remember these differences.
Brewing time and method

According to La Colombe Coffee Trainer Rachael Guerrieri, “Cold brew and espresso are as different as you can get. Cold brew is a coarse grind with cold or room-temperature water. During the brewing process, the coffee and water spend a ton of time together to get the perfect brew - think 8-24 hours! On the other hand, espresso is a super fine grind, made with really hot water in about 25 seconds." Guerrieri is La Colombe's East Coast trainer and has over 15 years of experience as a barista and coffee trainer.

Read more
Why you should try Vietnamese iced coffee (and how to make it yourself)
A new type of iced coffee you need to try
Vietnamese iced coffee

Even as someone well-versed in all things coffee, I had not heard of Vietnamese iced coffee until recently. As soon as I saw it on a coffee shop menu (ironically, while traveling to Punta Cana) for the first time, I was instantly intrigued. Vietnamese iced coffee, sometimes condensed milk coffee, isn't way different than traditional iced coffee. I went on a research expedition to learn about Vietnamese iced coffee, including what makes it unique and how to make it at home. Here's what you should know about this creamy, sweet, and icy variation of iced coffee.
How to make Vietnamese iced coffee

The traditional method of making Vietnamese iced coffee uses a special filter called a Phin. Using a Phin filter is the most popular way of brewing coffee in Vietnam, and it involves a method that closely resembles the way many Europeans and Americans brew and pour coffee over.

Read more