Today is my wedding day! Help! Extreme anxiety

What coping methods have worked for you in the past? Try some deep breathing exercises (there are a lot to choose from on youtube). I know it sounds crazy but it usually helps me. Are there things you can be setting up or doing to keep your hands busy? Will your bridal party be there soon? They will help to offer some distraction. Also...mimosas Please know that your guests are there to celebrate your love and your special day, not to judge you. Things will be great! Congratulations!

Yay! It's your wedding day!

I can tell you, I felt super anxious the day of mine as well. Probably not to the level you are, but I HATE all eyes on me. But once the door opened and me and my father started our walk down the aisle, I saw no one but my husband. I didn't even notice everyone staring at me. The most awkward part of the night was eating dinner. I felt more on display there because we did a sweetheart table. Other than that, it was just like a party where you mingle around and just have fun!

Trust me, the minute it all begins, all of your anxiety will just wash away. It's the best day of your life! Congratulations!

Oh girl, what you’re feeling is very common.

Totally normal!! Unless you feel like this is the wrong decision... Other than that, think of the positive, not the stressful stuff like that you're marrying your man!!! And, have a glass of champagne (don't overdo it, just a glass or 2... )

Have fun, and try to be in the moment... take long looks at everything and think about how all of this is happening because all these people love you, and support your marriage.

You are experiencing performance anxiety. Don’t drink any caffeine or eat sugar (these can exacerbate it). Have some herbal tea (chamomile is very good), eat something nutritious, spray some lavender oil in your room while getting ready, and try 4-7-8 breathing: inhale through your nose counting to 4, hold your breath for count of 7, exhale through mouth counting to 8.

Envision all the love you will feel today, surrounded by all your closest people. When you walk down the aisle focus on looking at your FH as if there is nobody else around you. Remember, this day is for two of you & it will be soooo special 🙂

St. John's Wort is an herbal anxiety medication (over the counter) you can take to calm your anxiety.

If you have time do some yoga and meditate. Relax, have some tea. You're going to have the most beautiful day💛☀️ filled with so much love and gratitude 💫💖 Sending sunshine and warm hugs🤗!

View Quoted Comment Love this, Iva💛💛

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I was going to suggest the 4,7,8 breathing technique as well. It is super helpful!

Tbh, I’m worried about my anxiety as well, for all of the same reasons you listed. Once the ceremony starts though, I will just focus on my FH and not pay attention to everyone else.

Also, if someone can run to the store, you could try some rescue remedy. It is a blend of herbs that are very calming. You can get it in drops (for under your tongue) or pastels (something like that) that are basically somewhere between a gummy and hard candy, if that makes sense. A hard gummy thing? Either way, it works very well!

View Quoted Comment Yes 4-7-8 is great! Good thing is that you are aware of your anxiety, so you have time to work on managing it, maybe even talk to your doctor or psychologist & see if there are tips they can recommend.
Performance & social anxiety are real & very common & sometimes all it takes is to start talking about it & learning few coping mechanisms that work for you. The more you talk, expose & deconstruct your anxiety, the less scary it will feel when it starts happening. Also, we often try to fight against it, which only puts our body in fight-or-flight mode, which ends up causing all unpleasant body symptoms. But it often helps to instead try to view anxiety as a wave that we can embrace & ride on, until it washes over us.

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You are totally right. For me, I have the hardest time leading up to the event, but once I start, I’m actually typically ok! I grew up dancing competitively and am now a professional athlete, so am used to being in the spotlight (even though I am the biggest introvert, lol!

View Quoted Comment I know what you mean! I am the same, all the anxiety before & all the adrenaline rush after lol. Introversion stays with us no matter what job we do, but again, it’s something we should embrace & not try to change. And being an introvert has many strengths & advantages 😉 Susan Cain wrote a great book about it “Quiet - The Power of Introverts In The World That Can’t Stop Talking”

Dedicated, I am wondering how your actual experience was, now that the wedding date has passed? I am getting married next Saturday and I feel the same way even just thinking about the wedding, and I still have a week to go. I get this same feeling anytime that I have to do anything publicly or am entering into an unfamiliar/uncomfortable situation, and I cannot hide it, I will get red and blotchy all over my neck and chest, and I look like a deer in the headlights and people can always tell. I will get physically ill from my anxiety. I am dreading the actual wedding date because I feel like the closer it gets, the worse my anxiety is going to get. I've been reading posts like this constantly, trying to convince myself that others feel the same way and get through it.