Wedding days are full of love and excitement. For many people it is also full of anxiety. All the people all the moving parts can be overwhelming. Keep reading for some tips to calm your nerves on your wedding day.
1. Stick to one cup of coffee and eat a full meal before you get ready for the day. Doing this with your partner can be a great way to connect before the day gets busy.
2. Have sour candy on you. Sour candy can shock your brain out of fight or flight if you are getting really anxious. The sourer the better! Just avoid ones that will turn your tongue a different color!!! Your photographer will thank you.
3. Wear fidget jewelry. Fidgeting is another way your body releases stress. There are tons of options from earrings and bracelets to necklaces and rings. Two that I know of are Conquering and Mint and Lily. Conquering offers all options with lots of customization while Mint and Lily offers simple classic ring options.
4. Hum a song. Humming stimulates the Vagus nerve that is responsible for activating the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting the fight or flight feeling.
5. Dance it out with your person. Dancing releases dopamine and having a safe person to do it with can bring comfort and grounding. I suggest Dog days by Florence and the Machine always saves the day for me!
6. Learn how to box breathe. Box breathing can help you by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is the system that counter acts the fight or flight feeling.
7. Consider wearing ear plugs. Loop is a great brand that keeps you present but dulls the noise. https://us.loopearplugs.com
8. In a pinch hold ice cubes or squeeze a comb in your hand. The pain from the cold can distract your brain enough to calm your nerves.
9. Schedule little pockets of time throughout the day to decompress. Sit in a room alone or with someone, drink water, have a snack or listen to your favorite song.
10. Use a grounding technique. What can you see, what can you feel, what can you smell and what can you hear. One thing per sense and repeat while you take small breaths.
11. Bring a weighted blanket. You can sit with it on your lap while you have your hair and makeup done or while your lounging during the day. Pressure is a great way to regulate your system.
12. Have a code phrase or word to let people know you are overwhelmed but don't want to be rude. Something simple like do you have a mint. This can help give them an excuse to remove you from the situation to "go get the mint".
13. If all else fails go outside or grab a pillow and SCREAM. But if you are nervous about being anxious on your wedding day always talk to a doctor or therapist. I’m not a professional and the above is not medical advice, but a professional can help find the best solution for you!
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