When you go through something intense or difficult in life, it can leave you feeling incredibly drained.
It’s only natural, of course. You went through a surge of emotions — anxiety, sadness, anger, whatever — and now, you’re completely depleted and have nothing left to give. This is known as an “emotional hangover” — here’s how you know you’re experiencing one.
1. You feel unusually tired.
After an intense conversation or emotional experience, you might feel physically exhausted, even if you haven’t done much. Emotional stress can drain your energy just as much as physical activity. This kind of tiredness is your body’s way of saying you need a break. Giving yourself time to rest is essential to recovering from emotional overwhelm.
2. Your focus is all over the place.
It’s hard to focus on work or daily tasks when your mind keeps wandering back to what happened. An emotional hangover can make it tough to stay present and focused on what’s in front of you. If you find yourself zoning out or forgetting things, it could be your mind’s way of processing. Taking it easy on yourself can help your brain reset.
3. Little things feel overwhelming.
When you’re emotionally drained, even simple tasks can feel like a big deal. You might find yourself avoiding chores or putting off decisions that would usually be no problem. Emotional hangovers leave you feeling like you’ve got no energy to spare. It’s okay to take things slow until you’re back to your usual self.
4. You’re feeling extra sensitive.
After an emotional experience, even small comments or everyday annoyances can hit harder than usual. You might find yourself taking things personally or reacting strongly to situations that wouldn’t normally bother you. Heightened sensitivity is your mind’s way of saying it needs a bit of extra care. Giving yourself space from triggering situations can help you find balance again.
5. You keep replaying conversations in your head.
Going over the same conversation or situation repeatedly can be a sign of an emotional hangover. It’s like your brain is trying to make sense of what happened, even if there’s no new insight to gain. Reliving moments only prolongs the exhaustion, so finding ways to distract yourself can be a relief. Sometimes, letting go of overthinking is the best gift you can give yourself.
6. Your body feels tense or sore.
Emotional stress often translates to physical tension, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, or jaw. You might notice aches or tightness after a difficult experience, even if you didn’t realise you were tense at the time. Physical stress is a sign your body is holding on to emotional weight. Stretching or gentle movement can help release some of that stored-up tension.
7. You’re feeling disconnected from everyone around you.
Emotional hangovers can make it hard to connect, leaving you feeling distant or uninterested in socialising. It’s like a need to retreat and recharge after emotional overload. Thankfully, the disconnect is usually temporary, a way to protect your energy until you’re ready to engage again. Giving yourself time alone can actually help you feel more open to connecting later on.
8. You’re unusually moody.
Emotional hangovers can leave you feeling up one minute, down the next, without any clear reason. Your emotions might swing from sadness to irritability to numbness, which can be confusing and frustrating. Moodiness after a big emotional hit is a sign your mind and body are processing. Recognising this can help you be more patient with yourself as you work through it.
9. You have a hard time making decisions.
Even small choices can feel like a big deal when you’re emotionally drained. It’s as if your brain is too tired to weigh options or handle any additional stress. Emotional hangovers make decision-making feel like an unnecessary strain. Giving yourself permission to delay decisions or keep them simple can be a relief during this time.
10. Your appetite is off.
Emotional overload can mess with your appetite—either you’re not hungry at all, or you’re craving comfort foods like crazy. When your emotions are out of balance, it’s common for your body to respond similarly. Trusting your body’s signals and eating what feels right can help you feel more grounded. Listening to your needs can aid recovery from emotional strain.
11. You’re having trouble sleeping.
Stressful experiences can make it hard to wind down, and you might find yourself tossing and turning or waking up at odd hours. Sleep troubles are common during emotional hangovers as your mind keeps processing. Getting enough rest is crucial for recovery, so prioritising sleep can help you get back to a balanced state. A good night’s sleep might be just what you need to recharge.
12. Everything feels a bit pointless.
After intense emotions, you might find yourself wondering, “What’s the point?” It’s easy to feel apathetic or unmotivated when you’re emotionally drained. The feeling of flatness is often temporary, a way of mentally “shutting down” after an overload. Reminding yourself that it’ll pass can be reassuring when everything feels heavy.
13. You’re craving solitude.
Sometimes, the only thing that sounds good is some alone time, away from noise and people. After an emotional event, solitude can feel like the best way to recharge and reset. Craving solitude is a natural way of letting your mind decompress. Taking time alone to regroup can be incredibly healing during an emotional hangover.
14. You feel emotionally “numb.”
After a big emotional experience, you might feel like you’ve got nothing left to feel—no highs, no lows, just emptiness. Emotional numbness is a common response after a lot of emotional stimulation. It’s your brain’s way of taking a break from feeling too much all at once. Allowing yourself some time to feel nothing can be a surprisingly good reset.
