Glossary: Social Hangover
Social Hangover
In Everyday Terms:
A social hangover is that wiped-out feeling you get after spending too much time socializing—even if you had fun. It’s like your social battery is completely drained, and you need some serious alone time to recover. Whether it’s from a big event, a long conversation, or just being around people for an extended period, a social hangover can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, or mentally foggy the next day.
Clinically Speaking:
A social hangover refers to the mental and physical exhaustion that occurs after prolonged social interaction, particularly for neurodivergent individuals such as those with autism, ADHD, and social anxiety. It stems from the cognitive and emotional effort required to engage in social settings, including processing conversations, managing sensory input, and masking neurodivergent traits. Social hangovers can result in fatigue, brain fog, emotional depletion, and a strong need for solitude to recharge.
How Social Hangovers Affect Personal Finance
Social hangovers can have a direct impact on financial habits and decision-making, influencing spending patterns, work productivity, and the ability to manage financial responsibilities.
Impulse Spending on Comfort Items
After social exhaustion, individuals may turn to retail therapy, food delivery, or self-care purchases as a way to recover. This can result in unplanned spending that might strain a budget.
Avoidance of Financial Responsibilities
When recovering from a social hangover, the mental energy required for tasks like paying bills, budgeting, or checking financial accounts can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination and missed deadlines.
Reduced Work Productivity and Earning Potential
If social fatigue affects work performance, it may result in missed opportunities for promotions, reduced freelance productivity, or the need to take extra time off, which can impact overall income.
Spending on Solitude-Friendly Activities
To recover from a social hangover, individuals may spend money on quiet, solo activities such as spa treatments, streaming services, or hobbies that provide a sense of calm and escape from social demands.
Overcommitting Financially Due to Social Pressure
In social settings, individuals may agree to financial commitments—such as splitting expensive bills, joining group trips, or attending events—that they later regret once the social exhaustion sets in.
Social hangovers are a natural part of life for many neurodivergent individuals, and planning ahead can help mitigate their financial impact. Setting boundaries around social events, creating a recovery-friendly budget, and automating financial tasks to avoid decision fatigue can help maintain financial stability while allowing for necessary downtime.
