In particular, walking down the aisle with all eyes upon you is sure to trigger symptoms of anxiety.
Even those who naturally enjoy the spotlight are likely to feel a little nervous on the big day.
These tips are best used to complement traditional therapy for social anxiety, such ascognitive-behavioral therapyormedication.
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Be sure to pay attention to yourself in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding.
Get regular exercise.In the weeks leading up to your wedding, it can be difficult to fit in exercise.
Get a good night’s rest.Plan for a restful sleep the night before your wedding.
confirm to unwind before bed with a bath, an herbal tea, or a good book.
However, it is important toeat healthy foodscontaining proteins and complex carbohydrates and to drink water.
Avoid anything with sugar or caffeinethese are likely to make anxiety worse.
Make it small.If a large audience is what bothers you most, choose to have a small wedding.
You could even have a ceremony with just the two of you.
It is not written in stone anywhere that you have to walk down the aisle at a wedding.
Plan Ahead
Starting early with your arrangements will prevent anxiety related to feeling rushed.
Use this time to your advantage to become comfortable with the venue and gain confidence.
Breathing in this manner encourages relaxation and reduces anxiety.
Practice mindfulness meditation.Develop ameditationpractice that will carry you through the ceremony.
Learn how to be aware of your thoughts and feelings without letting them take over.
Practice visualization.Imagine yourself confidently walking down the aisle.
Do this enough times, and your body will remember what yourbrain has envisioned.
It works for athletes and can work for you too.
Encourage feelings of community rather than “showmanship” with the following tips.
You don’t have to say anything; smile andyour eyeswill convey the message.
If despite all your best efforts, anxiety overcomes you at the last minute, go easy on yourself.
Chances are that yoursymptomsare not as noticeable as you think.
Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D.Treatment of anxiety disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.
2017;19(2):93107.
Anderson E, Shivakumar G.Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety.Front Psychiatry.
2014;2(3):108-112. doi:10.13189/ujp.2014.020302
