How to Deal With Hangxiety: What it is and What to Do

Have you ever felt the anxious dread of not being able to relax after a hangout with friends or family? Do you get stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings that keep you from enjoying the moment and developing healthy relationships? If so, you may be experiencing "hangxiety."

Hangxiety, or post-hangout anxiety, affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It's defined as the feeling of extreme anxiety or distress that follows a social situation, and it can have a detrimental impact on both mental and physical health. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, headaches, nausea and chest pains.

Hangxiety can be triggered by anything from getting dressed up for a special occasion to attending a networking event. Although it's normal to feel some degree of nervousness in certain social situations, it's important to recognize that hangxiety is a sign that something deeper needs to be addressed.

So what causes hangxiety? Hangxiety stems from a lack of self-confidence, self-esteem, and social skills. When an individual lacks these essential tools, they often become overwhelmed, uneasy, and overly self-conscious in social situations. This can lead to feeling like an outsider, worrying about what other people think and fear of the unknown. In addition, those who suffer from underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorder can experience hangxiety when their symptoms flare up.

The good news is that there are effective ways of coping with hangxiety. Here are a few tips to help you manage your hangxiety and relieve your stress:

• Take a deep breath – It may sound cliche, but taking a few moments to pause and breathe deeply can help you relax and regroup, especially if you're feeling anxious.

• Talk to a friend – Containing your emotions can be overwhelming. Having someone to talk to who knows and understands your feelings can help you process them and get perspective.

• Exercise – Exercising helps to reduce both physical and psychological stress. Endorphins released during exercise can also provide an immediate mood boost.

• Practice relaxation techniques – Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and visualization can help to reduce tension and anxiety.

• Set realistic expectations – It's normal to worry about how you'll be perceived by others. Focus on setting realistic expectations and being kind to yourself.

• Keep it simple – Don't overload yourself with too many tasks. Know your limits and work within them to prevent added stress and anxiety.

• Have a back-up plan – If you're feeling particularly anxious or nervous about an event, having a backup plan in place can help you relax. For example, having a close friend or support system available to provide emotional reassurance can go a long way.

If you feel like you're struggling with hangxiety, it's important to reach out for help. A mental health professional can offer guidance and support in developing positive coping skills to manage your anxiety and stress. Hangxiety can be overwhelming and debilitating, but with the right tools and resources, you can learn to manage it and find peace of mind.