Hangover or Hangxiety?

Hangover or Hangxiety?

Author: Mike Hardenbrook & Cloud9 May 20, 2025 Duration: 8:35

You wake up feeling foggy, your heart’s racing, and there’s a low-key sense of dread… even though you didn’t do anything wrong. That’s not just a hangover — that’s hangxiety.

In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind why alcohol can make you feel emotionally off the next day, even after just a few drinks:

  • How alcohol messes with brain chemistry, sleep, and blood sugar
  • What the “rebound effect” means for your nervous system
  • The role of hydration, nutrients, and neurotransmitters in mood recovery
  • Why even moderate drinking can trigger anxiety — and what to do about it
  • Simple steps to bounce back faster (without beating yourself up)

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to manage hangxiety with science-backed strategies — and feel more like yourself the next morning.


Mike Hardenbrook, a best-selling author, hosts The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9, a podcast that feels more like a series of thoughtful, evidence-based conversations than a prescriptive program. It sits at the intersection of health, nutrition, and mental well-being, offering a grounded approach to rethinking one of the most common social habits. The focus here isn't on preaching abstinence or promoting extreme challenges, but on providing a clearer understanding of how alcohol interacts with your brain and body. Each episode is deliberately concise, breaking down concepts from neuroscience and habit formation into actionable insights you can apply immediately. You'll find discussions on managing cravings, improving sleep quality, and subtle shifts in daily routines that collectively foster a greater sense of control. This isn't about adding another layer of stress or rules to your life; it's about equipping you with knowledge and practical strategies to make choices that genuinely align with your overall wellness goals. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting reliable, no-nonsense advice from a well-informed friend who understands that real, lasting change is built on understanding, not willpower alone. It's a resource for anyone curious about creating a more intentional and healthier relationship with alcohol, one small, sustainable step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9
Podcast Episodes
Drinking Makes Everything Louder Inside [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:22
Ever drink to quiet your mind… but wake up feeling even louder inside?Alcohol can feel calming in the moment, but afterward, many people experience amplified anxiety, racing thoughts, emotional sensitivity, and that wire…
Alcohol Is Ruining Your Vitality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:59
Alcohol doesn’t just steal your night — it steals your energy.Even if you’re not hungover, alcohol can quietly drain your motivation, focus, and stamina the next day. That tired, foggy, low-drive feeling isn’t just “gett…
Rise and Shine Without the Wine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:50
What if mornings felt easier without alcohol?For a lot of people, the hardest part of drinking isn’t the night, it’s the next morning. The brain fog, low energy, anxious mood, and feeling like your day starts on hard mod…
What Confidence Looks Like Without a Drink [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:32
What does confidence look like without a drink?For many of us, alcohol has been a shortcut to feeling bold, relaxed, or socially at ease. But what happens when confidence comes from presence instead of a buzz?In this epi…
You Don’t Have to Quit, You Just Have to Notice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:06
You don’t have to quit — you just have to notice.January isn’t about drastic changes or all-or-nothing decisions. It’s about quiet awareness. With the noise of the holidays gone, patterns around sleep, stress, and drinki…
Designing A Year Without Alcohol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
What if alcohol isn’t the main character this year?For years, alcohol has played a starring role in how we celebrate, unwind, and cope. But as priorities shift, many people are quietly realizing they want more energy, cl…
The Trade-Off Nobody Talks About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:40
What if feeling better mattered more than drinking?Most people don’t drink because they love alcohol — they drink because they’re chasing a feeling. Calm. Relief. Better sleep. A break from stress. But what happens when…
Drinking Smarter, Not Smaller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:01
What if this year isn’t about drinking less… but drinking smarter?Most people don’t want to quit drinking — they just want to feel better afterward. Better sleep. Clearer mornings. Fewer regrets. More energy.In this epis…
When the Party’s Over — Why Are You Still Pouring? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:41
Is drinking still the same when there’s nothing to celebrate?We tend to think of alcohol as something reserved for parties, milestones, and special occasions. But what happens when the drinks show up on ordinary nights —…
The Silence After the Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
Now that the holidays are over, what actually changed?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the quiet shift that happens after the season ends — when routines return, the noise fades, and patterns around stress, sle…