Academic research shows that ‘getting married’ is high up on the list of stressful life events. So why should that be? Well, first and foremost there are all the preparations in the lead up to your wedding- so much to do and often so little time to do it in. The day itself will present a new situation for you and it may well take you out of your comfort zone. You and your partner will be the centre of attention all day. You will be meeting and greeting, perhaps making a speech and that in itself can be quite stressful.
So what is stress? Well, stress is excessive pressure that develops when there are too many demands placed on you and getting married is certainly going to give you additional new pressures to deal with in addition to all your usual day to day activities.
While you are in the ‘pressure zone’ then all is fine but as soon as you enter the ‘stress zone’, that is when your body will stop working effectively! Contrary to popular opinion, stress doesn’t always come from a negative event and it is amazing how many people get this one wrong. So can your wedding cause you stress? In a word ‘yes!’ But can it be managed? The good news is – ‘Yes it most certainly can!’
Anyone can experience stress and it is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Stress is a normal and natural response however it is worth keeping an eye for some of the warning signs so that you don’t end up in the doctor’s surgery just before your wedding!
Tip:
- Stress is different for everyone. It can affect people in all sorts of ways. You may ‘binge eat’ – or stop eating altogether!
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep and not burning the candle at both ends.
- You may start to feel irritable and get upset for no reason, so listen out to when people tell you that you are getting angry!
- Feeling stressed? Talk this through with your partner, a friend, a good listener or perhaps you might both benefit from some pre-marital counselling. This is certainly nothing to be ashamed of if you do choose to seek counselling. After all, this is a brand new situation for you both and an external third party may help you both to deal with some of the challenging issues that come with marriage
