Eight Ways to Manage Wedding Stress With Yoga

By Diann Daniel on November 24, 2009 · 3 Comments

As a bride-to-be you are one of the best candidates for yoga. You’ve got a tension-producing wedding to plan, you’ve got to deal with an onslaught of emotions that joining your life to another person produces, you likely want to lose that last 10 pounds (or more) for the big day, and sometimes you feel just a tad bit, well, overwhelmed with it all.

Yoga may help with all that. But to get the most from your yoga class (or DVD or home practice, for that matter), you need to approach the movements with both your body and mind in focus. Here are eight ways to help you do that.

1. See yoga as a tool to quiet your inner Bridezilla.

Yoga is a powerful means of bringing your consciousness into your body and equalizing your emotions. In the simplest terms that means it gives you a way to keep a calm center despite the chaos your bride-to-be life is sure to serve up. Thoughtful attention to a yoga practice serves as an important mood booster and relaxation technique. Bonus: It sculpts lean muscles and helps you to eat more mindfully. Photo: iStock; Foment

2. Allow yourself to feel the sanctuary.

Whether you are turning on the TV to fire up your favorite power yoga DVD, going to the gym for an after-work slow-flow vinyasa, or heading to your favorite hot yoga class, give yourself permission to create an island of peace for that time. It doesn’t matter that you need to call the caterer later tonight or go for a wedding dress fitting this weekend. Right now, all that matters are these yoga poses. You may find it helpful to imagine that you are leaving your problems at the door, which you may pick up again on your way out. Photo: Diann Daniel

3. Take time to center yourself before class starts.

If possible, get to class early so that you can set up your mat in a spot that feels comfortable to you. Then take some time to separate yourself from the stress of the day. Sit quietly, and notice your breath. As you do so, allow your shoulders to relax, and your neck and back to lengthen and feel soft.

4. Notice your breath.

Yoga is all about breathing, and that’s a good thing. Controlled breathing promotes relaxation and feelings of well being. And focusing on breathing during yoga class strengthens your ability to breathe deeply throughout the day, which helps to foster an even-keeled attitude—even when the inevitable wedding stumbling blocks arise. In general, 1. your breathing should be continuous, even and controlled; 2. breathing should guide your movements; and 3. you should inhale into the easy part of a pose and use the exhale to power the difficult part of a pose (for example, when you lift up into downward-facing dog). Photo: iStock; Eyeinspiredphotography

5. Leave competition and shoulds at the door.

Can you touch your toes, do a full lotus position or keep up with a power yoga class? Here’s one liberating answer: Who cares. Remember, yoga is about being where you’re at now. That means focusing on your present, letting go of feeling you should be able to do this or that, and using your present reality to gently challenge yourself. Photo: iStock; lightstylephoto.com

6. Scan your body parts as you move through a sequence.

Many yoga classes include and welcome practitioners at a variety of levels, which means the instructor may be teaching to a middle ground. It can be easy to get caught up in trying to keep up—even during poses that are too advanced for you. To combat that, scan your body during the entire class and make sure you honor it limits. Photo: istock; nicolesyphoto.com

7. Give yourself permission to be exactly where you are.

Are your neck or shoulders scrunched up? Are you pushing a muscle or twist too far? Are you staying in a pose too long? Any of these things can lead to injury. Don’t be afraid to ease out of a pose earlier than other people or sit out something that doesn’t feel quite right. And when the teacher offers easier modifications that are right for you, be sure to take them. Photo: iStock; EyesOn_

8. Remember to have fun.

While proper alignment is important in yoga, be sure to allow yourself to let go and feel the joy of what you’re doing. Feel your muscles stretch as if they are taffy (or, hey, just pretend they are). Feel the delight of being upside down or stretched out. When it comes right down to it, yoga feels a lot like being a kid. And what bride-to-be doesn’t need a dose of childhood joy now and again? Photo: iStock; LegacyOnePhotography

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