Manage Your Wedding Day Jitters.

Wedding day nerves are to be expected and perfectly natural; after all, there's lots to organise, and there can be much pressure in the build-up to your wedding. Here are some tips to help you stay calm and regulated, allowing you to enjoy your special day.

Before the Wedding:

Sleep: Try to enjoy a restful night's sleep the night before, especially if you're staying away from home.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol: Even a single drink can disturb your sleep and increase feelings of anxiety.

Light Exercise: A nice walk or jog can help you let go of stress and boost those happy endorphins.

Good Breakfast: Make sure to fuel up for the day ahead; it'll help you feel more energised and calm your nerves, too.

Consider a Separate Room: If you have a large bridal party, finding a quiet space to prepare can significantly contribute to a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere!

During the Day:

Deep Breathing: Take a moment to practise some deep breathing exercises to help calm your nervous system and make you feel more at ease.

Meditation/Mindfulness: Consider using meditation or breathing apps to help centre your energy and bring a sense of calm.

Focus on the Joy: Remember, this is a joyous occasion filled with love and celebration!

Create a Playlist: Create a playlist of your favourite music to uplift your mood and bring a smile to your face.

Engage in Nature: Spending time in nature can help lower those annoying stress hormones – it's so refreshing!

Prioritise Self-Care: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to pause, breathe, and regroup; it’s perfectly okay to take a moment for yourself.

Get Ready at Your Pace: Give yourself the time you need so you feel perfect for your special day.

Have a Plan: Creating a wedding morning timeline can significantly ease stress.

Take Breaks: Don’t forget to schedule in some breaks to relax and enjoy the company of your guests.

Talk About It: Share any anxieties with your partner; they’re there to support you!

Remember Why You're Getting Married: Keep in mind the love and happiness you’re celebrating – it’s all about that special connection!

Additional Tips: 

Embrace Your Unique Journey: Remember, it's perfectly okay for things to be less than perfect.

Savour the Moment: Take time to enjoy each moment and let go of worries about what might happen.

Welcome the Unpredictable: Weddings can sometimes be a bit chaotic, so take a deep breath and don't let stress get in the way.

Reach Out for Support: Don't hesitate to ask friends or family for help with tasks; we all need a hand occasionally.

Create Your Peaceful Space: Find a Cosy Corner where you can take a breather and relax.

More on Deep Breathing and Meditation:

Deep breathing and meditation techniques help you to use your breath as a comforting anchor for achieving mental clarity and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring breath awareness or immersing yourself in guided meditations, these practices can be wonderfully effective on their own as well, helping to melt away stress and cultivate a sense of calm.

Mindful Breathing: Focus on the breath entering and exiting your body.

Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold again for 4 seconds; repeat.

4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, then exhale for 8 seconds.

Alternate Nostril Breathing: Inhale through one nostril, hold, then exhale through the other nostril; continue.

Belly Breathing: Take deep breaths, letting your belly expand on the inhale and contract on the exhale.

Breath Focus with Imagery: Practice deep breathing while visualising an image and using a word or phrase to encourage relaxation.

Guided Imagery and Breathing: Use breathing techniques while imagining a calming scene or focusing on positive sensations.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Pair breathing exercises with tensing and relaxing muscle groups.

Visualisation:

Visualising is such a wonderful tool for easing those wedding day jitters. Imagine all the breathtaking moments: the flawless ceremony, the radiant love on your partner's face, and the overwhelming joy of the celebration surrounding you. Rather than stressing over what might go wrong, create a lovely image of hearing those magical words, "You are pronounced married," with your guests cheering and you dancing joyfully with your partner. This will help you envision a day that's calm and filled with happiness.

Focus on Success: Imagine the beautiful ceremony, the heartfelt vows, and the joyful atmosphere all around you.

Embrace the Future: Picture the happiness of your marriage blossoming beyond just the wedding day.

Visualise Relaxation: Envision your body unwinding, with any stress gently fading away, as a positive mindset takes over.

Picture the Details: Think of those special moments – waking up, getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception – to create a vivid mental image.

Practice Regularly: The more you visualise a joyful wedding day, the more confident and relaxed you'll feel as the day approaches.

Use guided visualisations: explore the many resources that provide meditations to support your visualisation and relaxation journey.

Shift Your Focus: If you start to feel anxious, gently redirect your thoughts to something uplifting, like a cherished memory or an exciting future event.

Focus Outward: Instead of fixating on nerves, immerse yourself in the joy of your partner, guests, and the celebration around you.

Ground Yourself: If you find yourself caught up in anxiety, take a moment to return to the present by tuning into your senses and noticing what you see, hear, and feel around you.

In summary:

Make sleep and self-care a top priority by avoiding alcohol, engaging in light exercise, and enjoying nutritious meals. Set aside some time for deep breathing and meditation, and immerse yourself in the joy of the occasion. Remember to take your time and prepare at a pace that feels right for you. Don't hesitate to share any concerns with your partner; this is all about the love you're celebrating! Embrace any unexpected twists, reach out for help if you need it, and create a soothing space around you. Picture the beautiful moments of this special day. If you start to feel nervous, breathe deeply and focus on your partner, your guests, and the wonderful celebration ahead of you. You've got this!