August’s Bank Holiday makes many of us dread returning to work on Tuesday. In addition, a big weekend of drinking can lead to negative physical and psychological symptoms, otherwise known as hangxiety, with searches for ‘hangxiety remedy’ up by 88% this year.
We speak with wellness expert and founder of TRIP, Olivia Ferdi, on her best tips to rid your bank holiday weekend of hangxiety and how to unwind without a hangover the next day.
Fuel your body
Managing your physical needs can help calm your mental state, as the mind and body are intrinsically linked. Alcohol is dehydrating, so it goes without saying, that keeps up your fluids throughout the night and the following day.
Avoid high-fat and salty foods that are hard to digest and can make you feel even more dehydrated and sluggish. Instead, fuel your body with nutrients such as potassium (found in bananas) which helps restore all cells’ normal functioning. At the same time, magnesium-rich foods (such as spinach) help muscle, metabolism, and nervous system functions.
Play your favourite music
Studies have found that listening to music can help calm your nervous system and lower cortisol levels, which can help reduce stress. Tuning into good music can also induce endorphins in our brain, helping us cope with anxiety symptoms – not to mention distract our mind from negative thoughts.
Tune into upbeat songs, sounds of nature or instrumental music with an upbeat tempo, particularly as you head into the office the following day.
Plan a return-to-work treat
After a long, booze-fuelled weekend, knowing you have a big week ahead of you can add to your hangxiety. On the other hand, having something to look forward to, even if something small, can help make the days ahead feel more manageable.
Book a pre-work breakfast with a colleague, stop by your favourite coffee shop and treat yourself to your favourite cup or even get up early and go for excellent long work to enjoy some time.
Try natural remedies
CBD oil is a plant-powered way to help you unwind and relax; all you need to do is take a few drops under your tongue and hold it for 1 minute before bed or even at work the next day. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants, but unlike its well-known counterpart THC, CBD won’t get you high.
CBD interacts with our body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a network of cells and receptors that helps the body achieve optimal balance. Our ECS is crucial in regulating several functions, including stress, anxiety, and sleep. When your ECS is balanced, it can help you to feel relaxed and more you again.
Check-in with others
Due to the chemical imbalances in the brain that alcohol causes, we can get caught up in overthinking things we’ve said or done when they weren’t that big deal.
Make sure you check in with the people you were out with or friends for emotional support. They’ll help put the events into perspective, so you’re not overthinking every last detail. Knowing you have a friend to talk to and that you’re not alone can make a world of difference.
Get outdoors
It can be hard to drag yourself out of bed when you’re feeling anxious, but you’ll feel better for it afterwards. Being in nature is a proven stress reliever; you’ll get your blood pumping and may even provoke mindfulness.
Even just getting out of bed, showering and changing into a clean pair of clothes can help lower your cortisol levels and lessen your worries.
Beat it with sleep
Researchers have found that anxiety-prone people are susceptible to the effects of insufficient sleep, which can, in turn, cause anxiety.
Make your environment as comfortable as possible for the best sleep, even during daylight hours. You can also try taking a shower, putting on some relaxing music or diffusing some essential oils for aromatherapy.
