Sorry in advance this topic isn’t glamorous, but I think it’s really important to discuss a variety of topics when it comes to health and wellness. “Hangxiety” is a real thing and it’s no secret I’ve battled my fair share of anxiety, so I wanted to dig a little deeper into what causes my anxiety to increase after drinking. Since being on the “no added sugar” detox this past week I noticed how much better I feel overall and I think a lot of that has to do with cutting out wine. While I missed my glass of wine in the evening, it’s taught me how much alcohol affects my anxiety.
I know I know….we are called The Champagne Theory and we love our bubbles for sure. However, I’m really working on managing my anxiety and I know too many libations can throw me off for a day or more. What is interesting is that alcohol is often used to relax and/or reduce anxiety (ex. social anxiety at a party), but this strategy can often backfire for people who are prone to anxiety. It’s reassuring to know that there is a physiological reason why this happens, so let’s look into that piece.
Alcohol changes the levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain which can worsen anxiety. When you start drinking you get a rush of dopamine in the reward center of your brain…you feel good and are having a good time, so you keep drinking. The dopamine rush to the brain is short lived and anxiety tends to hit the hardest once the alcohol wears off. While alcohol might help reduce anxiety temporarily, it can often increase anxiety within a few hours after consumption. This study shows that there is a connection between anxiety and alcohol on a molecular level and demonstrates how heavy drinking can rewire the brain.
Even mild alcohol consumption can leave you feeling anxious the next day. Poor sleep (even one drink can disrupt your sleep), dehydration, and poor food choices are factors that contribute to my anxiety after drinking and leaving me feeling like pretty blah the next day. Even if my head isn’t in the toilet with a violent hangover I’m experiencing jitters and an anxious flutter all day that makes me feel uncomfortable and just wanting the day to be over.
For me It’s all about finding a balance. While everyone loved seeing my alter ego “drunk Alix” last weekend I don’t do it often because of how my body reacts to excessive consumption the next day. I really do enjoy the taste of wine and champagne and get pleasure out of unwinding with friends or cooking dinner with a glass in hand. My goal is to stick to 1-2 glasses and drink lots of water in between! I also think it’s helpful to stop sipping 1-2 hours before bedtime to help with sleep.
Do you experience “hangxiety”? I’d love to hear how you find balance?
xx,
Alix
