Wedding jitters, also known as pre-wedding anxiety, are a common and natural experience for many people leading up to their big day. While a certain level of nervousness can be expected, excessive anxiety can impact your ability to enjoy the planning process and the wedding day itself.
Sure, anyone may fall into a bottomless pit of wedding planning worry with just one look at a wedding to-do list. In that context, you may have started to question yourself about things like: “what if the consultation with the wedding planners turns out to be a complete failure?” or “are we making the best decision about the wedding cake?”
Dealing With Pre-Wedding Nerves
You can start to tremble as your breath becomes more rapid and your thoughts turn to unpleasant things. Finally, you might be so exhausted that you’re on the verge of passing out.
Although these signs of anxiousness are common, you might not have experienced them before planning your wedding. It may be tough to accept that the onset of these distressing symptoms coincided with what will undoubtedly be a wonderful day, but that is the Catch-22 of wedding planning anxiety.
The good news is that there is support available. The first step to dealing with wedding nerves is being clear about what you are going through. If you’re overwhelmed with wedding jitters, you can try the several science-backed tips listed below to help curb your anxiety and enjoy a perfect wedding day!
Maintain A Regular Exercise Routine Before Your Big Day
Research has shown that maintaining a regular exercise routine before your big day, such as simple bodyweight workouts, can help reduce stress and improve overall mood. During the time leading up to your wedding, making physical activity a regular part of your routine can effectively reduce anxiety and enhance feelings of vigor and concentration.
Pick out pursuits that not only appeal to your sense of fun but also consider your available time and current fitness level and sweat that anxiety before it even occurs!
Schedule Time for Self-Care
Most couples that have experienced wedding jitters reported that stress related to wedding planning activities resulted in physical symptoms such as breakouts, decreased sex drive, migraines, changes in appetite, and even hair loss.
Well, to avoid this, make sure that you and your partner set hard stops for wedding preparation activities and adhere to them to keep your sanity. After all, self-care is something that you should practice frequently and preventively to lessen your reactions to stressful events when they emerge.
The finest self-care techniques you should start employing should account for the five spheres of physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and professional health and include routine, preventative habits that fit your lifestyle.
Take a break from your wedding planning sessions and engage in something stimulating, like a manicure, yoga class, or Netflix marathon, either on your own or together with your partner, and curb those wedding jitters for good!
Practice Mindfulness And Relaxation Techniques
The more you practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, the easier it will be for you to deal with the stress that comes along with your big day and improve your overall health. Mindfulness practices, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, can all help. These mindfulness practices will enable you to stay present (in the moment) and let go of any negative thoughts or worries. Establishing mindfulness routines can also be especially helpful in the lead-up to your wedding.
Incorporating relaxation techniques into your routines, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery, can be another helpful strategy for achieving a state of calm and increased concentration.
Make Sure To Get Enough Sleep
A lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress, therefore, it’s essential to get ample sleep. You should make getting enough sleep each night a priority to ensure that you are well-rested in the days leading up to your wedding.
Aim for getting between seven and nine hours of sleep every night, and establish a soothing routine for getting ready for bed that includes activities that help you wind down, such as reading or taking a warm bath.
Seek The Support Of Loved Ones
Surrounding yourself with loving family and friends who are there to cheer you on can be a very helpful strategy for calming wedding jitters. Talk to your significant other, as well as family members and close friends about how you’re feeling – ask them for support and motivation. If your anxiety is too much to handle, you may want to seek help from a mental health professional like a therapist or counselor.
Final Thoughts
Nervousness about one’s wedding is a common and natural experience. However, excessive anxiety can interfere with one’s ability to enjoy the process of wedding planning as well as the big day itself.
You can learn to control your anxiety and feel more prepared and relaxed on the day of your big event by practicing mindfulness and other relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, working out regularly, and enlisting the support of loved ones.