What Is Hangxiety & How To Prevent It

Whether it be through lived experience, pop culture tropes or the 2009 blockbuster comedy that shot Bradley Cooper to fame, most of us are familiar with the causes and physical symptoms of a hangover.

But if you’ve ever woken up after a boozy evening with uneasy feelings of dread and regret (laced with a little embarrassment), then you, my friend, have experienced ‘hangxiety’.

Hangxiety is by no means a new phenomenon, but in recent years the phrase has been coined to separate the psychological symptoms of a hangover from the physiological symptoms.

Hangxiety: the amalgamation of hangover and anxiety. Genius, really.

Girl in red polka dot dress smiling whilst receiving a glass of Tempus Two Lighten Up Prosecco

What causes hangxiety?

Hangxiety is caused by a combination of factors that come into play when your body begins to recover from the effects of a big night of drinking. As your brain’s dopamine levels drop, so too will your mood, which can lead to hangover anxiety.

Several other factors are thought to aid in the likelihood of hangxiety, such as pre-existing social anxiety, dehydration, poor nutrition and exhaustion. All of these conditions have been shown to profoundly affect our emotional states.

We know that dealing with hangxiety can be brutal. It’s part of the reason we chose to create a fantastic range of non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic Tempus Two wine alternatives. With Tempus Two Zero and Lighten Up, you can enjoy the taste of wine, be part of the action and not stress about how you'll feel the following day.

What are the symptoms of hangxiety?

The symptoms of hangxiety can vary in severity depending on how much alcohol you have consumed, how long you have been drinking, and your individual physiology.

Hangxiety symptoms include:

Anxiety in the form of nervousness, worry or unease
Feelings of guilt or shame
Physical discomfort including, headaches and nausea
Irritability
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating

How to treat hangxiety

Typically, the symptoms of hangxiety can last anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours.

Like the classic physical symptoms of a hangover, unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for hangxiety. But there are some tried and tested remedies that can help manage hangxiety and minimise both the physiological and psychological symptoms.

Hydration: Water is your best friend after a big night of drinking. Nutrient-rich beverages and coconut water are also excellent electrolyte sources that can help fast-track rehydration.
Eat a light meal: Go for mild and bland foods that are easy to digest, and avoid anything rich, heavy and greasy.
Rest: Take it easy and try to relax as best as possible. There’s nothing quite like a good ol’ fashioned nanna nap to cure all that ails you!
Over-the-counter pain medication: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can manage the physical symptoms of your hangover which can help reduce anxiety levels.

Once these boxes have been ticked, take some time out to focus on these calming techniques to directly address alcohol-induced anxiety.

Mindfulness: Practising meditation and breathing exercises are excellent ways to minimise anxiety.
Talk it through: There is nothing quite like the healing qualities of talking through your worries with someone you trust.
Relaxing activities: Take a bath, go outside for some fresh air, listen to calming music, draw, practice yoga, or go for a walk or swim.

How to prevent hangxiety

If you plan to have a few grown-up bevvies, there are steps you can take to minimise the likelihood of hangxiety.

H20 is your hero: A good rule of thumb which is easy to remember, is the 1:1 ratio. One alcoholic drink per hour and one glass of water in between alcoholic drinks.
Never drink on an empty stomach: This is key to aiding your body's ability to metabolise alcohol efficiently.
Know your limit and stick to it, e.g. set yourself a 2-drink maximum.

If just the thought of enduring hangxiety gives you anxiety, then it may very well be time for you to consider your alternatives.

Our Lighten Up collection features a variety of low-alcohol wines perfect for those occasions when you want to stay in the moment for longer. And with our Zero Range, you can celebrate while drinking delicious wine without the threat of an impending hangover looming over you.

Say goodbye to hangxiety forever with Tempus Two’s fantastic selection of no and low alcohol wines.

Shop our range today.