August 11th, 2018 | Updated on April 27th, 2023
Planning a wedding can be an extraordinarily exciting time because it’s a chance for you to decide how to express your love to the rest of the world.
At the same time, though, it can be extremely stressful, which means that you’re likely risking your emotional health. And at a time like this, when tensions are high with family–and potentially your future partner, too–one emotional problem can easily set off another.
That’s why it’s so important to prioritize your health. Even if it means taking a little extra time to focus on you, it’s worth it.
That meeting with the wedding planner? That fitting with the dress designer? You can push that aside and schedule in some time just for you and your emotions–and here’s how.
1. Find out if money is stressing you out
If you’re having lots of fights with friends and family or drinking right after a busy day of wedding planning, you might think that the stress is generally coming from how busy you are.
And while this is possible, the chances are good that money is one of your stressors. In 2016, the typical US wedding cost over $30,000, and even if you’re spending only half of this amount on your big day, that’s still a huge chunk of change.
So sit down with your partner, and figure out what your expenses are. Obviously, a formal evening dress for your reception is worth paying for, but maybe having fresh flowers on every table can be an expense you cut.
Find out what your budget is, and work from there. Additionally, find out if you’re getting money from your parents, and how much you want to have saved after the wedding (for a house or family, for example).
The more precise your budget, the more in control you’ll feel–and that can make a huge difference when it comes to breathing easier.
2. Make time for exercise and relaxation
Mental health is always important, and if you’ve ever been super-busy with work or studying, you know what a huge difference going for a run in the morning can make.
Sure, it may technically force you to spend more time thinking about exercise, but the exercise itself will help you be more focused and energized throughout the day. You’ll also have raised endorphins, which leads to a happier mood.
And if you’re snacking a lot because of how busy you are, you won’t have to worry, because of the time you spend hitting the pavement or the gym.
The other side of the coin is remembering to relax. It may not seem like you have any time for it, but relaxing is key to avoiding anxiety and panic attacks.
More women are affected by depression than men, so even your partner isn’t feeling too stressed or moody, that doesn’t mean you’re crazy for feeling that way.
If you’re short on time, take yoga classes with an app, or schedule half-hour breaks for yourself on busy days to listen to your favorite podcast or watch your favorite TV show. By getting creative and committing to relaxation time, you’ll be doing yourself a lot of good.
3. Talk to someone
If you’re feeling a lot for pressure to be a “blushing bride,” who’s happy and excited all the time about her wedding, it can be hard to talk to anyone about your feelings.
Whether you’re feeling generally anxious or stressed about something specific like the cost of your wedding dress, you might feel like you’re supposed to keep it all inside.
But it’s extremely damaging to your emotional health to repress your feelings, and you might end up in some messy fights that spiral out of control.
Instead, write letters to your friends and family so that you understand how you’re feeling toward them. Then, speak to them in person.
If your worries are deeper or possibly clinical, see a professional. Between 2013 and 2016, 8.1 percent of American adults aged 20 or over had depression in a given 2-week period, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, so it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
If you don’t have time to meet a therapist in person, consider getting an online therapist through a service like BetterHelp.
This will also help you avoid relying on unhealthy stress coping mechanisms like overeating and drinking too much.
These are some of the best ways to maintain your emotional health in the months and years leading up to your wedding. What other advice would you give to brides-to-be like yourself?
