Weddings are one of
the most wonderful yet stressful events in our lives. This beautiful,
celebratory experience can sometimes bring out the worst in people! However
there are a few steps that brides and others working on the wedding along with
her can take, to minimize the stress triggers, reduce tension levels and ensure
that this special day is indeed wonderful for all involved.
Be self-aware and prepared
– Be honest with yourself, who or what is likely to be a source of conflict?
Are you doing something that is triggering conflict? Now is the time to be
up-front and own your own actions, while at the same time being clear about
possible sources of tension. Being aware helps you to prepare and develop
strategies to deal with troublesome situations so you don’t feel so overwhelmed.
Delegate - Know what you can handle and on
whom you can count for help and support during the preparation time, don’t try to handle everything by yourself. Weddings are huge undertakings,
so enlist responsible, reliable friends and family to help out where possible.
Meditation - With so
much to do and stay on top of, not to mention the life-changing event about to
take place, it's easy to become overwhelmed. This might be the ideal time to
start that meditation practice! Find a solitary spot, close your eyes and focus
on the in-and-out cycle of your breath for just a few minutes a day or when
you're lying in bed at night. It will help slow your heart rate, reduce the
racing thoughts and relax your muscles, too.
Stay Connected - Under
the pressure and stress of planning a wedding, it's easy to lose touch with the
person you’re about to spend your life with! Schedule date nights, be it a
dinner out or a movie in, to squeeze in some quality alone time. And, if you
have any concerns about your upcoming nuptials (it's natural), find the courage
to tell him. If you two can weather the storms of your engagement anxiety
together, it’s probably a good indicator of how you will approach problems
within your marriage.
Exercise - Exercise has
positive emotional and psychological effects. Take a walk, go for a run or a
swim. Any type of physical movement will help produce more uplifting endorphins,
reduce the effects of stress and help you think more clearly.
Start a Journal – Writing
in a journal is a safe and accessible way to express any emotions which may be
bottling up and prevent them from morphing into anxiety. Identify what's
bothering you, and address that topic solely. Try to stay with one theme at a
time to avoid being swamped by too many emotions at once.
