Don’t let that emotional hangover get the better of you

Heartbroken individuals often get unsolicited advice, especially on how to prevent or cure emotional hangover — finding it difficult to move on. In a recent study by New York University, USA, the researchers suggested that the events that take place during a high emotional arousal state tend to form a better memory as compared to neutral emotional states. And, emotions not only affect the memory of the past events but they also tend to influence the formation of new memories. Spot the symptoms If a person is emotionally hung-over, he or she might feel emotionally exhausted. This might last from a few days to few weeks or even more.

Such people are stressed and usually suffer from insomnia.

They tend to be emotionally inert — are persistently upset, dazed, withdrawn and irritable.

How can one fix it? Psychotherapist Neeta V Shetty suggests the following:

Take up some physical activity or exercise, as it reduces the cortisol level and raises the feel-good hormone oxytocin.

Learn the art of mindfulness to become aware of your thoughts and actions. Mindful meditations also help one calm down and rewire the brain towards happiness.

Spending time in nature is also great stress buster.

Socialising with friends or loved ones helps in healing, as speaking to someone close provides a vent for emotions.