Will your legs be shaking as you walk down the aisle? If so, it’s not uncommon and nothing to be ashamed of. Marriage is one of life’s major milestones and it only makes sense that the participants would get some version of cold feet. However, as with all forms of anxiety, it is critical that you monitor the intensity and duration of what you’re feeling.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Pre-Wedding Anxiety
This type of anxiety could center around the details of your big day. It takes plenty of planning to make a wedding happen and, subsequently, there’s plenty that can go wrong. So, for starters, it is essential that you ask for help — lots of help. In addition, both you and your partner can pledge to share a top priority: have fun no matter what!
Beyond that, here are some wedding anxiety red flags to watch for:
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to concentrate or focus
- Edginess and irritability
- Unexplained body aches and pains
- Elevated heart rate, trembling, sweating, etc.
4 Ways To Cope With Anxiety Before Saying “I Do”
1. Talk About It (but sometimes don’t)
Make time on a regular basis for you and your partner to openly discuss how you’re feeling. Bring up specific worries and use this as an opportunity to make this a normal part of your marriage. If you feel it may help, include friends or family members in these conversations (especially if they’ve been recently married).
Conversely, set aside time during which you don’t talk about the wedding. Go on dates, get active together, and create new happy memories. Take a night off from stressing about family drama to do something romantic.
2. Get Yourself Moving
Exercise is a proven method for reducing anxiety while enhancing your mood. It burns off tension while making you healthier and more resilient. And let’s not forget that working out can make you feel more confident in your wedding outfit. Extra points for exercising together with your spouse-to-be.
3. Cultivate Some Relaxation Techniques
This could involve taking an in-person. Just as easily, you may opt for a YouTube video or an app. The resources are endless so take advantage of them. A few suggestions to get you started:
- Meditation
- Breathing exercises
- Aromatherapy
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Listening to mellow music
- Engaging in a creative hobby
- Visualization
- Helping others who are in need
- Turn off your phone and take tech breaks (especially from social media)
4. Practice Letting Go
Perfection is an unrealistic, self-sabotaging goal. Spoiler alert: Not everything will go off without a hitch. But that’s fine! Think back on the best weddings you’ve attended. Were they run with military precision or were they simply fun? Let go of perfection and aim for fun, laughter, joy, and indelible memories. As you go with the flow, you inspire the guests to let their hair down, too.
When You Feel Like You’ll Never Make It to “I Do”
Anxiety is the most common mental health issue in the world. If it’s putting a damper on your pre-wedding bliss, there is no shame in that. Help is available. Talking with a counselor is a proven path toward coping with the various impacts of stress and anxiety. If you need some support as your wedding nears, I’m here. I urge you to reach out and connect to set up a free and confidential consultation today.
