| |
Wedding preparations have been called either "joyful worries" or "blissful qualms in anticipation of a beautiful celebration." The choices of jewelry, wedding dress fittings, a trial of your makeup and hairstyle are all integral parts of the festivity to come. Brides usually enjoy these preparations almost as much as the wedding itself.
Unfortunately, there is a thin line between elated excitement and nervous tension that sometimes reaches the level of being called "stress." When somebody really tries their best to make everything perfect, it is very easy to become anxious over any important details that might have been missed. The bride wants everything to be just right. |
Due to the usual circumstance where women often worry more about an event being absolutely perfect than men do, the chances of becoming afflicted with a dangerous level of stress related to perfectionism are much higher for the bride (or her mother or future mother-in-law) than for the groom. She may be making yet another change in the wedding plans or thinking through all the details for the hundredth time, and her worries do not go away - instead, they become more persistent.
Is it becoming difficult for the bride to fall asleep at night? Is she overly concerned about whether she missed somebody on her invitation list? Is she checking time and time again that the wedding host has her preferences correct? Has she put the florist on memory dial on her cell phone to ensure the florist knows she only likes white lilacs, and not another color?
Even the first minor signs of this stressful condition should be treated with complete seriousness. First of all, these worries are bound to increase as the event itself approaches, and the bride may begin worrying that the entire celebration is at risk if one small thing is wrong. Instead of enjoying her wedding, she will be playing a different and very difficult role - nervous and consumed by fears during her wedding day and will sigh with relief only when the "show" is over.
Secondly, this condition is almost always contagious - the bride's nervousness will spread to her parents and later on to all the friends and relatives who are participating in the preparations for the festivities.
What should you do to prevent this from ever happening to you?
The best advice that any doctor can give about fighting any illness is to try to prevent the illness in the first place. To protect yourself in the flu season, you should eat right, exercise, keep from getting wet, and perhaps have a flu shot - likewise, to prevent stress, there are some precautions that will help take good care of your nervous system.
First and foremost, you should plan all the stages of the preparation so that you never run out of time and can religiously keep to your schedule. For example, if you and your groom have decided that you should book a hall no later than September 5th, you should stop looking no later than that date and make your choice then. Keep in mind the story of Buridan's donkey that died of hunger because he couldn't choose between two stacks of hay! In the case of a reception hall, you may risk not being able to find a suitable hall that is available on your wedding day if you do not stick to your schedule.
Another important piece of advice is to make your wedding preparations a cheerful and happy event, rather than risking them becoming tiresome and exhausting. Try not to change your daily routine in a radical way. If you are going to skip meals or just have a quick cup of coffee every lunch break to run over for a dress fitting or to meet your photographer, quit exercising, stop going to the pool and gym, spend less time outdoors and stay up too late, not only are you going to inflict damage on your health, but you also risk this stress affecting your appearance! Do you really want to look tired and stressed out at your own wedding?
Excessive drinking of coffee and strong tea, a lack of physical activity and little or no exposure to fresh air all pose a serious hazard to the nervous system that will be reflected in your appearance.
Nonetheless, if you feel that the anxiety over your upcoming wedding is growing, you are constantly having trouble sleeping, feel stressed out and can't seem to stay calm, you must help your body to fight the stress. Some people wish to try an herbal or vitamin supplement, but be certain you visit a reputable pharmacy or health food store for suggestions. However, if you would rather have medical advice, or if your anxiety does not go away, don't be shy or afraid to admit the stress is getting to you. See a doctor who can help get rid of the anxiety before the big day.
Remember that your wedding is a grand performance where the bride and groom are not only playing the main lead roles, but they are also the most important guests at the performance - the VIPs! Certainly it is important that every guest feels entertained at your wedding, but it is even more crucial that you should feel good! Even if you miss some details - those are minor things. What matters is that you be in a wonderful, joyous mood and enjoy both the preparation and the wedding celebration itself. |
