8 Ways to Reduce Pre-Wedding Stress
By Kathy Boyd-McLaughlin
As their wedding day approaches, many brides start feeling anxious and nervous. They start to think that
they will never get rid of the knots in their stomachs and that they will end up fainting in front of all
their guests. To help rid yourself of these stresses and to help fight that nauseating feeling as you walk
down the aisle, here are some tips:
1-Start walking! That''s right. Take a brisk walk around the block, up the street, wherever. The more energy you
use, the more stress you rid yourself of (and it helps to tone your legs and build your cardiovascular system
so that you can dance all night long at your reception!)
2-Take a few moments each day, preferably at night before going to sleep, and do breathing exercises. Yes, the
same ones moms do when they are in delivery. Why? Because breathing deeply, in a rhythmic fashion, exhaling
slowly, helps to relax your mind, body and nervous system and it slows down the adrenaline flow. Take these minutes
to think only of relaxing and how good you will feel tomorrow.
Many experts say to "go to a happy place" in your mind.
3-Start drinking more water instead of caffeine and sugar loaded liquids. Reduce salt intake. Caffeine, sugar and salt, cause
chemical reactions to your nervous system by making you jumpy, nervous and high-strung. Salt or sodium, also helps
your body retain water, causing that bloating, puffed up feeling.
4-Laughing and singing are great ways to reduce the stress.
5-Another stress reducer is to stretch your muscles out. Do leg and arm stretches to help tone and to remove built
up tensions in your muscles. Head and neck rolls can do wonders while sitting all day in an office!
6-Dim the lights in the bathroom and take a nice, hot bath. Use candles if you prefer.
7-One glass of wine can help you to relax, but don''t over do it.
8-If you prefer, that old home remedy of warm milk will do it every time!
