So, in the run-up to one of the most special days of your life, you’re on top of your fitness game, you’ve booked strategically-timed beauty treatments, your dress is ready and the wedding planner has assured you that your guests will be wowed on all counts. But of course, the to-do list doesn’t end here and you are stressed about the million things that are far from sorted! Planning near-perfect nuptials can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, but there are ways to deal with the strain.
Yoga and Meditation
“Yoga’s three predominant components: Asanas or physical postures; Pranayama or breathing; and meditation work on us at different layers, and any one of these is incomplete without the other two,” says Shilpa Abhyankar, a Happiness Programme instructor at Art of Living Bahrain. “Besides increasing stamina and toning the body, the physical movements are coordinated with one’s breathing, and the breath is a link between one’s body and mind. The mind has the tendency to vacillate between the past and the future, leading to regret or anxiety. As one focuses on the breath in the posture, the mind comes to the present moment.”
She goes on to say that meditation is nothing but connecting with and giving those few minutes to the ‘Self’, by taking a break from the chaotic activities of the outside world, which is often just what a bride-to-be needs. “Once peace is attained through meditation, our ability to handle difficult tasks increases, intellect sharpens, creativity and productivity rise. One can start being more positive and take better decisions. In terms of energy gained, 20 minutes of meditation is equivalent to four hours of deep sleep,” she says.
Massage Therapy
Armi Dungog, director of rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is also an authority on the benefits of massage therapy. She says: “A massage is great for de-stressing both your mental and physical state. It generally helps blood circulation, alleviates fatigue and relieves tired muscles.”
Stress often interferes with quality sleep, and a calming massage can also aid in this aspect, besides detoxifying impurities through the body’s natural healing processes. There are many types of treatments, but Armi specifically recommends the hotel’s signature hot stone massage for its highly therapeutic and rejuvenating results. “It opens up a positive energy channel which is what a bride-to-be actually needs before the wedding,” she says. “Most women get really tense before the big day and having the hot stone treatment could help them relax, reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.”
QUICK TIPS TO SURVIVE HAIR-TEARING DAYS
Strengthen the connect with your partner – Don’t forget your better half and count on him for support. Remember that your wedding lasts a day, but your marriage is forever.
Reclaim your Life – Shop for non-wedding stuff, spend time with family and friends or volunteer in community service.
Write in a journal – It’ll be a form of catharsis, help you maintain perspective, and will be fun to look back on years later.
Schedule trials in time – Not only for your dress, but hair, make-up and also, shoes.
Ask for Help – Need a playlist drawn up for the DJ (or something similar)? Enlist a friend’s/cousin’s assistance to make the task easier for you.
Employ reliable vendors – When you’re dealing with caterers, event managers, beauty consultants and photographers who are experts in their field, you can rest assured that they know exactly what you want and deliver it.
