7 Ways to Chill Before Your Wedding
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
Wedding planning is full of excitement—whether you’re saying “yes!” to your dream wedding dress, touring dreamy venues, finding the perfect guest accommodations, picking out your wedding bands, or choosing flower arrangements. But with the magic can come stress along the way, and with that, you need to make sure you’re taking time for you. We spoke to Sophia Malkotsis, founder of nyc yoga | sophia and creator of A Course in Self Love, all about how to take more time for yourself and release unwanted wedding planning stress.
“You’re embarking on a beautiful phase of your life and there’s so much to do. With that, though, comes busy days and lots of stress. Even if it’s a ‘good’ stress, it’s still stress, which triggers a chemical fight or flight response,” says Sophia. “When we endure this feeling for an extended period of time—like the exciting months of planning a wedding—it can do some real damage if we don’t set enough time for ourselves to just be.”
Check out the below list of grounding practices she’s curated to help release the jitters and stay calm before your wedding day.
Quality time
These days, it can feel like no time at all has passed, yet time rushes by quickly. In the months, weeks, or days leading up to your wedding, intentionally set time to connect with your partner without technology or distractions. Hone in on the beauty of your connection and embrace the love that brought you together.
Release the urge to control
You might find yourself caught up in making sure every detail is perfect, worrying things won’t go as planned. “I’m a firm believer in the ‘everything always works out’ mindset,” Sophia says. Even a simple mantra can make a big difference in your daily outlook.
Try this exercise:
Find a comfortable seat or lie down in a quiet space. Inhale slowly through your nose, filling your lungs and belly. Exhale slowly, noticing your breath moving through your body. Repeat this mantra three times: “I am supported, I am worthy to receive, I am loved.” Focus on these words and allow yourself to feel them fully.
Enjoy mindful movement and exercise
“Get out of your head and into your body,” Sophia says. Movement shouldn’t feel like a chore—it’s an act of self-care. Whether it’s a workout, a walk, or gentle movement, allow it to be something that supports both your physical and mental well-being.
Come back to the present moment
Set aside at least 10 to 30 minutes every day just for you. Step away from planning, lists, and distractions, and allow yourself to fully be present. This dedicated time can help reset your mindset and bring balance.
Do more yoga
During yoga, we quiet the constant thoughts in our minds by focusing on breath and movement. This helps release stress stored in areas like the neck, shoulders, hips, and back, allowing the body to relax and reset.
Find a quiet space and meditate
Meditation helps calm the nervous system and allows you to visualize and connect with what you want most. Creating space for stillness can help you feel more centered, grounded, and aligned.
Express gratitude
Now more than ever, it’s important to focus on what you already have. Take time each day to think of at least three things you’re grateful for. Connecting to that feeling of gratitude can help shift your perspective and maintain a positive outlook.
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