Mental health campaigner Daniel Browne has compiled a “must do” list for couples who are planning to get married…
Getting married should be the happiest, most wonderful time of your life. Sadly, it’s often the most stressful time of one’s life. It doesn’t need to be that way, though. If you’re due to get married, I’m here to help with my top 10 tips for banishing pre-wedding stress.
Banish tech
If you’ve been busy with planning your wedding, take some time out for yourself and your fiancé. Put your phones out of sight, turn off the television and all other technology distractions. Put on some music, pour yourself a large glass of wine and enjoy some quiet time with your partner. Allowing yourself that time to switch off and relax will bring huge benefits to your life.
And breathe
This isn’t as boring as it may sound. Try this… Sit quietly and take a deep breath in for a count of four. Then exhale for a count of four. Repeat this exercise for two minutes and take notice of how it begins to make you feel. I recommend making breathing exercises a part of your daily routine to keep stress at bay.
Don’t forget sexy time
It’s something enjoyable and the release of endorphins when in the throes of passion will put a huge smile on your face. If you’re not really up for sex, try my first tip and see if that to set the scene for an explosive, stress busting bonk.
Go for a jog
The previous tip may have covered that slightly, but sexercise isn’t the only stress busting activity you can indulge in. Getting regular exercise is key in reducing stress levels. Even just a twenty-minute walk each day can help, but if you’re feeling more energetic, get out there and pound the streets or join a gym class. You could even put on some music and dance like nobody is watching, which is surely one of the most fun things to do. If you’re not up for much exercise, make it a social occasion and exercise while catching up with friends. Which leads me to my next tip…
Go out with friends
When planning a wedding, it can be too easy to fall out of the loop with those closest to you. So set aside some time and make an effort to catch up with family and friends. You could involve them in your wedding planning, but I suggest putting the planning to one side and having a proper catch up with people. It’s sure to be a boost to your mood and a massive stress reducer.
Bubble bath
Sit back and relax. You deserve it. You could even invite your fiancé to join you.
Dear Diary…
It’s a good way of documenting your life and important events, but it can also help you to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. If you can understand your thoughts and the stress you feel, you can begin to work through it and come out the other side.
Sleep
Making sure you get your eight hours of sleep each night will help you to feel energised for your wedding planning. It may be tempted to stay up until the early hours of the morning sorting things for your wedding, but that just results in you feeling awful the next day and not able to function properly. You must take care of yourself.
Make a list
Wedding planning is exactly that; a plan. Be sure to schedule your time wisely in order to make sure you have time for all of the other tips in this guide. Set yourself targets and deadlines, and only spend so many hours each day on the wedding planning. There are only so many hours in a day and you don’t need to spend them all planning your wedding.
Don’t overload
It’s ok to ask for help and to delegate certain tasks to other people. Yes, you’re fabulous and can take on the world if you put your mind to it, but organising a wedding takes a lot of time and effort. You’re not Superman and don’t need masses of stress at what is supposed to be the most amazing time of your life. Don’t be afraid to ask your support network for help.
