Stress Busters for Brides

The Counseling Couch
 
Stress Busters For Brides
 Edith K. Couch, MS, LPC, NCC, CFAE
 


Don’t let the pressure of trying to plan that perfect wedding day get in the way of the fun of being “The Bride”. Brides face the task of having to pick out the perfect dress, finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses, deciding who gets to be a bridesmaid and who has to sit in the stands, choosing florals, décor, a reception menu, entertainment…and oh, don’t forget the venue.  Then there’s the groom.  Does he actually think he and his friends are going to wear whatever they choose? On top of these tasks you have to juggle your friends, your husband to be, the future in-laws, your own family, and your vendors, all while seeming to look glowing and happy, and having it all under complete control. No wonder brides are stressed, right?
 
Here are some tips to help you to de-stress and enjoy your walk down the aisle:

1. Get organized. A bridal planner is a handy tool to help you get and stay organized throughout the wedding process.  Stress often shows up as forgetfulness or losing small things.  Planners are perfect to help you remember the large and small details of your day and purchasing one online or at your favorite bookseller is one of the best investments you will make to relieve your wedding planning stress.
2. Take time to exercise. It is a PROVEN fact that exercise relieves stress and increases natural brain chemicals that ward off depression -which can happen during times of stress,  even when that stress is related to a happy event. Spending twenty minutes a day doing some type of exercise will do wonders for your stress level reduction…and make you look and feel better as a bonus
3. Be flexible.  You have quite a bit going on and not everything is going to happen as planned.   Knowing that beforehand may help relieve some of the pressure of trying to create the “perfect wedding”.  Those mishaps are oftentimes our most pleasurable and memorable wedding moments, and not much of anything that can go wrong, especially after it is all well planned, is really going to matter that much anyway. In wedding planning as in life; being flexible is the key to staying sane in lots of otherwise crazy situations and circumstances.
4. Moderation.  Too much of anything, even a “good” thing can be stressful.  Pace yourself, set goals, accomplish one, and move on to the next. Don’t do too much at one time, and don’t push yourself to be more than you have to be. Remember, it is your wedding you are planning and it’s actually supposed to be fun!
5. Don’t forget to laugh. Laughter is a PROVEN stress buster, and every day that you laugh is usually one more day that you will spend in happiness.
6. Delegate duties to a friend or family member you trust.  Allow them to handle some of the smaller things that have to be taken care of at the last minute.  Be sure you trust them to follow through so to complete the tasks given so that you don’t feel it necessary to follow behind. If you have the option, by all means hire the services of a Wedding Coordinator, this is especially important if you are planning a destination wedding and will be doing much of your planning while away from the location.
7. Take a few deep breaths now, count to 4 while inhaling, hold for 2 counts, count to 4 while exhaling.  Do this 3 times.  Now close your eyes and imagine yourself on your big day:  beautiful, calm, happy, and walking towards your groom.  Smile. Feel and hold that feeling. This may sound too simplistic to be useful, but give it a try. You will be amazed.
8. Have a spa day on location. Before your wedding day join your bridesmaids for a professional manicure, pedicure, massage, or hairstyle.  Nothing makes you better than being pampered, and doing it with friends.   A massage will help to relax both your muscles and calm your nerves, and the time you spend with your girls will help take your mind off the last minute stress you may otherwise feel.I have found that brides who utilize some or all of these techniques manage to have a more enjoyable time planning their big event, and even take these tips into other portions of their daily activities where they can also learn to function in a low stress manner.

Congratulations and may you have the destination wedding of your dreams -calm, happy and stress free.
 
Edith K. Couch is a private practice licensed counselor who specializes in many areas of counseling including life coping skills and stress management. Couch Counseling, is located in Anniston, Alabama.