Hangxiety: Why You Feel Anxious After Drinking (And What to Do About It)

At Bliss Health & Wellness, we believe in total wellbeing — body, mind, and spirit. But sometimes, even when you're out celebrating life’s moments, you can wake up feeling far from blissful. If you’ve ever experienced overwhelming anxiety after a night of drinking, you’re not alone. This phenomenon even has a name: Hangxiety.
Let’s dive into what hangxiety really is, why it happens, and how you can manage it — with a little help from the wellness experts at Bliss.
What is Hangxiety?
Hangxiety is a combination of a hangover and anxiety. After drinking alcohol, some people wake up not just with a headache or nausea, but also with a racing heart, intrusive worries, and a general sense of unease. It's more than just regretting a few texts or second-guessing last night’s karaoke performance — it's a physical and emotional reaction that can feel overwhelming.
Why Does Hangxiety Happen?
Several factors contribute to hangxiety:
- Alcohol and Brain Chemistry: Alcohol initially boosts GABA (a calming brain chemical) while suppressing glutamate (an excitatory chemical). When the alcohol wears off, your brain rebounds by reducing GABA and increasing glutamate — leading to overstimulation, restlessness, and anxiety.
- Dehydration and Blood Sugar Drops: Drinking dehydrates you and can cause blood sugar fluctuations, both of which can worsen anxious feelings.
- Poor Sleep Quality: Alcohol disrupts your REM sleep cycles, meaning you might technically get hours of sleep but wake up feeling unrefreshed — and emotionally unstable.
- Personality Factors: People who are prone to anxiety are often more susceptible to hangxiety.
How to Manage Hangxiety
At Bliss Health & Wellness, we’re passionate about practical, holistic solutions. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Rehydrate and Nourish
Start your day with a big glass of water (add electrolytes if you can) and a balanced meal rich in protein and healthy fats. This helps stabilize your blood sugar and replenish essential nutrients.
2. Calm Your Nervous System
Gentle movement like yoga, deep breathing exercises, or even a quiet walk outdoors can calm an overstimulated nervous system. Try our guided "Blissful Breathing" sessions available in our Wellness Studio!
3. Support Your Body Naturally
At Bliss, we offer customized IV hydration therapies and vitamin boosters designed to help your body recover faster from hangovers and reduce anxiety.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Remember: Hangxiety doesn’t mean you did anything wrong — it’s a physiological response. Speak to yourself kindly, and if intrusive thoughts pop up, acknowledge them without judgment.
5. Rethink Your Relationship with Alcohol
If hangxiety is becoming a regular part of your weekends, it might be worth exploring mindful drinking habits. At Bliss, our health coaches can support you with personalized strategies for a healthier social life.
You Deserve to Feel Good — Every Day
Hangxiety can make you feel trapped in a cycle of dread, but it doesn't have to define your relationship with celebration or socializing. With compassionate care, smart strategies, and support from your Bliss Health & Wellness community, you can reclaim your mornings — and your peace of mind.
Ready to beat hangxiety for good?
Book a consultation with one of our wellness specialists today and take your first step toward a more blissful, balanced life.
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