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If you've ever had too much to drink, you've probably experienced a more traditional "hangover". But did you know there is another type of hangover, one that is not quite as fun the night before. An emotional hangover is defined as "the effects of an emotional event that can linger for a while [after a prolonged stressful period, traumatic] event happens — the same way nausea lingers long after you've consumed one too many tequila shots (whoops)."* This is because emotional events trigger the mind to remember things more effectively, whether its a positive, or unfortunately, negative emotion.
I'm going to push this definition even more to include PTSD and depression triggers. The worst part of events like this, in my opinion, is they can happen at any moment and feel like it's at a time you least expect it. The equally worst part, you take your feelings out on the people that you love most, that probably had nothing to do with this triggers in the first place.
This was me last night, and let me tell you, I am feeling it today. Now, this morning?
Here are some signs and symptoms:
tired or feeling exhausted
unable to process emotions, feelings of mental numbness
drained and unable to focus
headache
rapid heartbeat, even though you are still
as if your life force, fire inside, has been taken away
These signs and symptoms can last all day, or for days after this "triggering" event,
BUT there are things you can do to help!
What can you do:
Rest. This is your time to slow down and listen to what your body needs. It is not only ok to take breaks in your daily to-do's, it is absolutely necessary.
Eat clean and green. Eating things like candy, chocolate or anything with caffeine, like coffee, can feel like "quick fix" but they are also things that can continue to feed anxiety so try to steer clear of these and instead go for protein and leafy greens. Nourishing your body properly also nourishes your mind.
Drink lots of water. Refueling your body's hydration can make huge difference and think of those multiple trips to the bathroom as your body getting rid of those yucky toxins and feels.
Exercise. It's not a new idea that getting your sweat on helps with mental health. It releases endorphins, the powerful chemicals in your brain that are released during exercise, that boost your spirits and create feelings of happiness.
Lean into your loved ones. These are the people that have been there through the good, the bad and the ugly. They know why you are feeling the way you do and they are not going to hold these emotions against you. Talk it out, get a long hug, feel the embrace of acceptance. This can be family or friends!
Seek emotional support. Sometimes, you may need to go even further by talking to a mentor, life coach or therapist. This is 100% ok, they are there for a reason. Talking things through with an unbiased professional that has studied mental health can be extremely helpful in navigating moments like these.
Meditate. Just sitting still, breathing and becoming present with facts of the now can help bring you out of that spiral of thoughts that linger after a traumatic event or prolonged period of stress.
Journal. I like to call this the "mind dump." Get a journal out and just write. It can be just as effective as talking about it. Just getting thoughts out in the universe is almost like releasing an animal back into the wild, it is freeing.
Get Outdoors. Sunlight is said to be the best source of Vitamin D because with the rays hit cholesterol in your skin, it gives energy for the synthesis of this beautiful vitamin to occur. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to many things like fatigue, mood changes, forgetfulness, loss of interest and many other feelings of depression. So take this time to get outdoors and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin!
Get creative. If you are not a self-proclaimed creative person, this one may feel uncomfortable at first, but get your hands busy. That's the amazing thing about art, it doesn't have to be perfect, to be good and effective. You can do this with adult coloring books, painting or even just doodling. This is another great way to just get your feelings out, instead of keeping them bottled inside.
It is impossible to avoid stressful triggers and emotional events - you'd basically have to avoid life all together and as much as you may feel like doing that now, YOU KNOW BETTER. Life is full of so many beautiful, wonderful things, all around us, so accepting your mental health as an importance, doing things to improve it daily and understanding it happens to all of us at one point or another, is the first step to taking control of the uncontrollable.
If this resonated with you in any way, please share, save to Pinterest or drop a comment below. I'd also love to hear if you have any other tips.
If you are having your own struggles and not sure which way to turn, my "door" is always open. Follow or message me on Instagram or email me at ashleyvandco@gmail.com .
Until next time,
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