Mental health is finally getting the long-overdue spotlight it deserves. In this contemporary world, where people claim to be woke, countless mental health conditions are swept under the rug and ignored. Pondering upon mental health issues and consulting a counsellor or therapist is still a stigma. Many might consider heartbreak, unsuccessful career and family issues as the reason for mental health conditions. But few might be unaware of the fact that stressful life events such as planning a wedding can lead to mental illness as well.
Planning an Indian wedding is not as simple as ABC. Accomplishing numerous wedding chores can strain a lot of energy from you resulting in exhaustion. Even if you have hired an expert team of vendors, allocating duties and having an overview of the tasks performed can build up pressure. From opting for the perfect wedding destination to deciding on swoon-worthy attires for the bride and groom, everything can consume a lot. A loss of sense of self, while catering to everybody else’s needs can make you feel overwhelmed. External pressure from families and friends is exhausting. The anxiety of living up to the expectations of others as well as yours can stimulate mental health issues.
Body image issues are the most significant catalyst that creates overwhelming pressure and contributes to mental health issues. The pressure for brides to meet mainstream beauty standards and to look perfect can instigate pre-existing body image issues. A thin waistline, busty chest, proportionate curves and fairer skin are some beauty norms set by social media platforms. To meet such unrealistic beauty goals, women delve into crazy crash diets and miss hitting important nutritional marks. This results in eating insecurities and degrading mental health. Practicing mindfulness and following these tips can keep your pre-wedding blues at bay.
Acceptance Is Bliss
The first step to healing any problem is to acknowledge the issue. Acceptance is extremely empowering. Once you accept the issue, you can take the next step of your healing journey. Remaining in denial and bottling up your feelings will never help you, instead, it can lead to bursts of emotions. Understanding you have special needs and connecting with people who are equipped to help you out will be the consecutive step.
Do Activities With Your Partner Other Than Planning
Take some time out to foster romance and connection with your partner, this is so integral for the future wedding. The talks between you and your partner shouldn’t always revolve around wedding planning. Go for romantic dates or short getaways to soak up the burden of the wedding preparations. Feelings of isolation or loneliness can occur in this draining process. Sharing your thoughts with your partner will build transparency and it will strengthen your foundation. Allow your partner to help support your emotional well-being.
Let Go Of Perfectionism
You have dreamt about a perfect fairytale wedding for years, and you want your big day to be every bit perfect. From arranging the invitation cards to opting for the best makeup artist in town, everything is an uphill battle. While you indulge yourself in planning the wedding to make it top tier, you forget to enjoy the process. Societal pressure and unrealistic expectations can lead to burnout which can ruin your big day. In the pursuit of perfectionism, don’t miss out on the true essence of these nuptials.
Confide In A Friend
Staying social and planning meetings with your friends and family will give you a much-needed break from the wedding chaos. If you are struggling with anxious thoughts you can always talk to your close ones. Talking to a friend has proven to be therapeutic. It helps to drain out your feelings of anguish and anxiety. Sharing your feelings with a friend helps you gain perspective on various things. Find a company where you can release your excitement, anxieties and concerns without the fear of being judged.
Disconnect To Connect
Taking time to unplug and disconnect from electronic devices and social media for at least 30 minutes a day will keep your mind calm and oriented. As you disconnect yourself from the tension and stress for once, you will bounce back with new levels of energy and dedication. Unplugging yourself for at least half an hour a day will declutter your tangled thoughts and make you feel fresh. This practice of taking breaks will revive your energy. Grab your favourite book, make a cup of coffee and enjoy it witnessing the sunset and disconnect yourself from all the tensions.
Incorporate Physical Movement Into Your Routine
Physical movements tend to release stress and exhaustion. Whether workouts have been a part of your daily routine or not, it is important to indulge in some physical activities. It helps to nurture and replenish your body in a positive and enriching way. Stress-busting leisurely walks, restorative yoga classes and other gentle but necessary movements can be helpful during times of high tension. It is proven that physical exercises are effective at aiding in mental health conditions. No matter how tight your schedule is, incorporate physical exercises into your daily regimen and release some feel-good endorphins.
Understand Your Triggers
The stress of wedding planning, the hasty process, the dread of speaking to nosey relatives, the shock of wedding expenses, the dilemma of entering into a new phase of life or struggles of body image issues. There are a myriad of components that can stimulate pressure. It is important to understand anxiety triggers to minimize their effect and overcome uncertain emotional breakdowns or relapse. Understanding your triggers is a long and arduous process. It helps to recognise and feel your core emotions and build emotional stability. Retracing the cycle by walking back through what led to that emotional situation will help you to know your triggers and overcome them.
Positive Affirmations
Self-affirmation improves an individual’s ability to solve problems in a stressful situation. These short, powerful statements are positive and self-encouraging. They can be anything from “I have the power to deal with things,” to “I am calm and focused.” Reciting these positive affirmations out and loud compels your subconscious mind to think about the same and act accordingly. These sentences are what you want to feel in the meantime. You can try writing these affirmations for better results. You can also try recording and playing them in the background at night so that your mind is filled with positive thoughts the next morning.
Build A Safe Space
A safe space is a stress-free environment where you can cope with your anxiety. It can be a corner of your room filled with books, your best friend’s house or a spot at the park where you can hear the birds chirping. These spaces help you to calm down your tormenting thoughts and distance yourself from depression triggers. You can retreat to such spaces for a much-needed break in depressive phases.
Seek Medical Help
Self-care is an extremely important component of wedding planning. Anything that goes beyond a ‘bad day’ should never be ignored, there are tons of resources that can help you navigate through times of distress and exhaustion like therapy, counselling, life coaching and meditation apps. A therapist or counsellor is an expert equipped with the right knowledge, experience and advice that will be effective in tackling depression. Seeking help from experts is still taboo but you cannot afford to put your mental health in the backseat. Consulting a doctor helps you identify important insights on decision-making. It helps you to handle stress healthily and to communicate effectively.
