How to Be a Zen Bride: BREATHE
Wedding planning is stressful to most engaged couples. You’ve never done anything like it before, and there is an expectation of perfection. Many couples split the duties of planning. However, sometimes I see the bride taking on more of the responsibilities based on skill set or desire. Therefore, additional stress usually falls on the bride. You want to know how to be a Zen Bride? First step, BREATHE.
When I speak with couples and mention wedding planning or expectations in their relationship, there's a shift in the body. I see lots of tightness in the shoulders, but mostly shortness in the breath. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve started consultations and counseling sessions by suggesting one of the pair (or sometimes the couples together) take a deep breath, and let it go.
Yes, yes, I know we breathe automatically. If the science of respiration excites you, you may want to read this. Thankfully, the body takes inhales and exhales on its own. However when tension and anxiety hit, our brain takes over and things get a little funky.
In order to find calm in the body and the mind, you may need to step in and override the system. Yoga is a great ways to bring intentional breath into the body. If that's not your jam, you could try these tips:
Create regular reminders
Create an image with the word "breathe" for your home screen on your phone. Every time you open your phone there is note for you to take a breath. If that's too passive for you, you can always set an alarm or a notification to remind you at regular intervals.
You can also scribble a note on your bathroom mirror. Make sure to use a non-permanent marker and either write the word "breathe" or add a mindful quote that will bring calm.
Meditate
Most meditation practice encourages focus on the breath. It's recommended that one meditates for at least 20 minutes, but that may be too difficult to start. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, first off, close your eyes. Removing visual stimulation usually encourages ease in the mind, and brings attention into the body. I like to take it one step further and put one hand on my belly and one hand on my heart. There's something about the warmth of the hands and the connection of these 2 energy centers that are calming. With the eyes closed, allow yourself to take 5 full, deep breaths. Breathing in through the nose, and exhaling through the mouth. If you have the focus to continue, take another 5 breaths. And another 5. Once you notice the tension is released, take one final breath and allow the eyes to open.