Relaxation Rules: Avoiding a Bridal Meltdown

Recently I overheard two bridesmaids devising a complex plan, which would force their bride-to-be to have some relaxation time pre-wedding. These sweet bridesmaids aimed to have her turn up early to the kitchen-tea, thinking she was going to help to set up, but instead she would be bundled into a waiting car and whisked off to a local day spa for some intensive, rejuvenating, de-stressing. James Bond would have been proud of this particular mission.

I am certain from their determination that these gals had been bridesmaids before, and as such had witnessed a bridal meltdown*, and were prepared to do anything to avoid it happening again. Lovely that they were taking action, sad that they needed to, but it’s so often the case that the bride is so wound-up and worried about every aspect of the day, that she puts herself last on the ‘take care of’ list.

Want to avoid this kind of intervention? You can ensure that you don’t reach a point where it is needed by both learning the art of relaxation and scheduling in regular unwind time right througout your engagment period. For when it comes to guaranteeing you look and feeling as gorgeous and glowing as possible on your wedding day, being relaxed will ultimately be as important as exercise (what’s the point of fitting into your gown if you are looking totally strung out as you take to the aisle?)

Some ideas? The following work for me but you can draw up a list of whatever helps you to truly unwind:- Meditation, sharing a cup of tea and laughs with one of my sisters or friends, a massage (even a 15 minute foot massage counts), running outdoors and staring out at the ocean watching for dolphins. You get the idea. But  a good rule is to avoid discussing or thinking about the areas of life that are upping your adrenaline levels during your allocated relaxation time.

If you are having serious difficulties in switching off, and you realise that it is leading to more serious issues such as insomnia, panic attacks or digestion problems, be sure to act early. Schedule in an appointment with your GP, or someone who is professionally trained in relaxation methods, such as a meditation or wellbeing coach.

 * Bridal meltdowns are stress fuelled (and super stressful for all); often the culmination of twelve months plus worth of unaddressed tension exploding simultaneously, and mostly triggered by the small and irrelevant details – say a button falling off the gown a week before you are due to wear it.