I think I'll never drink again
I have a black belt in this exact thing. Every time it happens, I think I'll never drink again. Despite that, it happens again. As soon as I have the first drink, it's like I can't stop. Yes, alcohol simply turns me into an animal, living purely on primitive instincts. I dive into the next beer, offer myself shots, and consume everything I come across. When will I learn that blacking out isn't cool, feeling like I've behaved foolishly isn't cool, and certainly feeling anxious about it the next day isn't cool?
Hangover anxiety
Most of the time, the damage isn't much worse than maybe speaking a bit too loudly, calling a few acquaintances, or falling asleep early. Despite this, it feels like life will never move on. I know I'm not the only one who experiences this, and after many conversations with friends and family, I've somewhat found some methods that make it easier to overcome this anxiety.
Experience a sense of accomplishment
One of the main reasons it feels awful the next day is the lack of accomplishment for me. Once again, I couldn't limit myself, and once again, people will think I acted stupidly. Despite the most tempting option being to lie in bed and eat cheese puffs, it may be a good idea to compensate for the lack of accomplishment. This could be responding to a message that has been sitting in your inbox for too long, cleaning your home, or cooking a good meal. The exact activity isn't really important, but engaging in a small activity that creates a positive feeling.
Share how you're feeling with someone
Hangover anxiety resides deep within our own bodies, but overall, it's not as bad as we make it out to be. By calling a good friend or inviting someone over for breakfast, we open up the possibility for someone to offer reassuring comments that it's not that important after all. It's also not uncommon for the people you were with the day before to feel the exact same way. Keeping painful thoughts to yourself is rarely constructive. Get it out and get rid of it.
Get outside
We all know that fresh air is worth its weight in gold when it comes to clearing a stressed mind. A mind affected by yesterday's confusion and worries is no exception. My regular Sunday tradition has become taking a walk around Oslo, checking out flea markets in Grünerløkka, eating ice cream at Tjuvholmen, or simply strolling around. Not only do I shift my thoughts to something else, but I've also discovered many of Oslo's treasures.
Either it will be fine, or it will pass
Have you ever experienced that hangover anxiety doesn't go away? Neither have I. It truly feels painful and unbearable in the moment, but give it a few days. It always passes. When hangover anxiety is at its worst, I remind myself that it only exists in my own head and that it rarely becomes worse than I make it. We've all been there, and we've all gotten through it.