Singaporebrides | Beauty
May 2016
Beat Wedding Stress with These Endorphin-Inducing Workouts
It can be hard to work up the motivation to work out while planning your wedding. But when you’re facing wedding stress, exercise is just what you need.
In the chaotic midst of wedding planning, it can feel impossible to find time to work out. You’ve got to book the venue, assemble your wedding vendor team, and plan the perfect honeymoon—with plenty of tiny details to remember in between. It’s no wonder brides get so stressed out by weddings! And while it can be tempting to curl up on the sofa and veg out to bad reality television, we have a better idea: exercise.
We know, we know—exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re stressed to the max. But that’s exactly when you need exercise the most. When we work out, our bodies release chemicals called endorphins, which make us feel instantly happier. Exercise has been proven to lower stress levels, and greatly reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.
Still not convinced? Think about the wedding dress you’ll be slipping into in a few months’ time. You’ll want to look your best on your big day, and working out can help you to beat wedding stress and get fit at the same time. Not sure where to begin? Check out the handy guide below, which will help you handle whatever kind of wedding stress you have.
Image by Alexander E Rust licensed under CC BY 2.0 Problem #1
Your to-do list is never-ending. You have to call the photographer, create the seating chart for your guests, and get your dress altered… and what if it all doesn’t get finished in time? Your anxiety level is at an all-time high!
Beat the wedding stress! When you have a lot of excess, nervous energy bottled up, high-intensity cardio is the way to go. Going for a run or hitting the Zumba studio is a great way to shake out the nerves. Worried about taking time away from your busy schedule to exercise? Think of it this way: when you return to your to-do list, you’ll be feeling calmer and more capable of checking each item off.
Problem #2
You feel like nothing is going right with the wedding planning process. Your future mother-in-law is micromanaging your every move, and your bridesmaids seem less than motivated to help out. The entire wedding planning process is so frustrating, you could scream!
Beat the wedding stress! It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling a little bit out of control right now. You’ve got a lot going on! Try channeling your frustrations into activities like kickboxing and weightlifting.
Kickboxing is a great choice for obvious reasons—you’re not only allowed, but even encouraged, to hit things in a kickboxing studio! If you can’t get to a class, try your hand (and foot) at kickboxing at home. This cardio kickboxing class from Fitness Blender is quick, sweaty, and fun!
Strength training is another great option when you’re feeling angry. Some of your frustrations might stem from not being able to control some aspects of the planning process. Weightlifting will help to combat these feelings, making you feel stronger and more confident. You don’t even need access to a gym to get in a great workout—just grab a couple of dumbbells and head over to YouTube! This video is an excellent upper body workout, while this one will have your quads and butt burning by the end.
Image by Zoltán Gál licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0Problem #3
You are so exhausted from wedding planning—and life in general—that you feel like you could fall asleep at a moment’s notice. You can hardly work up the energy to make yourself dinner, let alone exercise.
Beat the wedding stress! When you’re this tired, it can be hard to motivate yourself to do any kind of exercise. So instead of going for a run or hitting the weights, take a restorative yoga class. Restorative yoga focuses on reclined, supported poses that are held for several minutes, helping you to channel your breath and be present in the moment. It’s even okay to fall asleep! For maximum relaxation, try an online class at home before you go to bed. This video combines the soothing sounds of the ocean with deeply restorative poses.
If you’re feeling up to it, try a vinyasa class. This type of yoga coordinates the breath with the fluid movements of the body, which has both a soothing and invigorating effect. With regular practice, you’ll find yourself becoming longer, leaner, and more relaxed.
Problem #4
You hate exercise! Thinking about exercise, and trying to find the time to do it, stresses you out even more than wedding planning does.
Beat the wedding stress! Exercise doesn’t always have to come in the form of running or strength training. In fact, non-traditional forms of exercise can be even more effective because they can be so easily woven into your daily routine.
Do you love to dance but can’t find the time to take Zumba? Then head to the club with your friends on Saturday, and dance the night away! You might not think of it as exercise, but dancing is a great calorie burner. If clubs aren’t your thing, then crank the music up in your bedroom and bust a few moves by yourself! It might feel silly at first, but it’s sure to help you break a sweat and smile at the same time—both of which are excellent wedding stress relievers.
Exercise doesn’t always have to be high-intensity, either. Hiking is a great way to stretch your legs while also enjoying the relaxing effects of nature. It’s hard to feel stressed when you’re surrounded by chirping birds and rustling trees.
If it’s too hot or you’re not feeling outdoorsy, head to the mall for some retail therapy instead. Walking around the mall (and taking the stairs instead of the lift) can help you to burn a few extra calories.
It doesn’t really matter what type of exercise you do, so long as you’re doing it! When the stress of wedding planning gets you down, exercising can help you to relax and remember that you’re looking forward to a very happy, exciting day.
Credits: Feature image by Norbert Pete licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
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