JJ Unplugged S01E08: The Art of Balancing Emotional Hangovers

In this episode, Jake and Jennie dive into the invisible aftermath of simply… being around people. From emotional hangovers and social comedowns to the complicated dance between overfunctioning and underfunctioning, they unpack what actually happens behind the scenes when you’re trying to “have it together.” Expect honest stories, gentle callouts, and the kind of laughter that only comes from two people who understand each other on a cellular level. If you’ve ever needed a full day of silence after one conversation, this episode is your new home.

Topics we covered:

• Emotional Hangovers:
  Why they hit harder than physical ones, how neurodivergence amplifies them, and the weird guilt that comes from needing recovery time after socialising.

• Overfunctioning vs Underfunctioning:
  How stress pushes us into opposite modes, why we switch roles depending on the situation, and how to recognise when you’ve slipped into “fix everything” or “freeze and hide” mode.

• Internal vs External Performances:
  The difference between looking fine and being fine. The exhaustion of masking. The awkwardness of pretending to have your shit together.

• Quiet Cracking at Work:
  The emotional version of quiet quitting – showing up as your “professional self” on the outside while your insides are screaming for a nap.

• Regulation Tools:
  From grounding rituals to Jake’s structured self-checks and Jennie’s emotional logic loops, we share how to come back to centre when your nervous system is fried.

Key reflections from the episode:

• Nobody has it together. Not a single person.

• Emotional cracks aren’t weakness – they're communication.

• Overfunctioning is not a personality trait, it’s a survival mechanism.

• Underfunctioning isn’t laziness, it’s overload.

• The safest people in your life are the ones who can handle your real energy.

• Slowing down isn’t failure – it’s self-respect.

What’s your emotional hangover routine? Tag us or DM us your stories, we might read some on the next episode.

Content note: Includes candid conversation around burnout, mental health, and emotional regulation.

P.S. We’re not medical or mental health professionals. Everything we share on this podcast is based on our own personal experiences and opinions. If you’re dealing with any mental health concerns, we always recommend speaking to a qualified professional.