5 Tips to help with Wedding Day stress
21st September 2015
A wedding is a truly wonderful occasion. I love a wedding. Each one is so different and personal to the couple. Whether its formal, casual, big or small, they are a fabulous celebration.
For the couple however, it can be a very stressful time. Especially in the last few days leading up with all the last minute planning and worries about whether the day will be a success. Having just gone through my own experience (relatively!) unscathed, I have come up with 5 top tips for managing stress leading up to the day. I certainly used these to stay calm, relaxed and excited despite last minute hitches, family dramas and blips!
1) Have lots of sleep and take time to relax during the couple of weeks beforehand. Sleep can be difficult with so much to think about so it is essential you unwind properly before bedtime. This means putting any planning to one side and spending at least an hour doing something else before you go to bed.
If you find it difficult to relax once you are in bed or wake up in the night with thoughts racing try the 5, 7, 8 breathing technique to help you drift off. Breathe in slowly and steadily for count of 5, hold for 7 and breathe out slowly for 8. Repeat as many times in a row as you need. It will not only relax you through slow, calm breathing but also distract your mind with counting!!
2) Remind yourself who you are doing this for and why. This is essential. It can soon descend into a bit of a circus with all sorts of opinions and pressures from other people. It's so important to keep in mind that it is your day. It's a marriage between you and your partner and no one else. Keep this in mind and have the courage to say 'no ' if you need to or you may end up feeling pressured to invite distant relatives you've never met or have 13 flower girls!
3) Plan a budget from the outset and stick to it as much as you can. Be realistic about what you can afford. Money worries are a huge cause of stress so don't allow this to take over. What is most important to you? venue? Dress? Flowers? Pay for these first and then figure out the next most important and so on. Do you really need individual favours or pyjamas personalised with your name on for the night before? It can soon run away with you so stick to what's important.
4) Positive visualisation - when you think about the day as you lead up to it think and imagine it positively. Think about how calm, happy, relaxed, excited you will be. Don't focus on how nervous and stressed you might be or what can go wrong as this will create anxiety. Positive visualisation is a great way to combat nerves and the more you practice the better you get!
5) Keep perspective! It's one day - don't allow it to become something that's out of control. One step at a time. keep a to do list and tick it off bit by bit. Don't focus on the whole picture all at once.
Most of all on the day practice being mindful.... be in the moment, cherish each second as it will absolutely fly by!