Author, wellness coach, functional nutritionist and breathwork practitioner, Daniel O’Shaughnessy, shares his tips for staying on top of wedding planning stress KEEP CALM AND MARRY ON Daily stress is something most of us encounter at some time or another in our lives. However, it becomes a problem when it’s chronic, feels particularly intense or begins to affect us physically. Stress can be triggered by anything from a life-changing event to managing too many responsibilities or facing pressure. Unfortunately, as wonderful and exciting a process as wedding planning is, it could be said to fall into each one of these categories. Understandably, this can leave many couples feeling overwhelmed and facing burnout from trying to juggle too much, coping with family pressure, and potentially, if you’re not careful, dealing with financial worries too. Managing stress is an important part of the process and self-care is a must. So, we turned to author, wellness coach, functional nutritionist and breathwork practitioner, Daniel O’Shaughnessy for answers. “Calming the nervous system is essential for managing stress and promoting overall wellbeing,” he says. “When the nervous system becomes overstimulated, it can be challenging to relax, focus, and handle daily pressures effectively.” So, read on to discover Daniel’s recommended techniques for managing daily stress and alleviating its symptoms by soothing the nervous system, allowing you to keep calm and carry on with creating the day of your dreams. DEEP BREATHS “Engaging in deep, diaphragmatic breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation,” Daniel explains. “Try inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, holding for a count of four, and exhaling slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this cycle several times until you feel calmer. If you’re particularly anxious, try doing this lying on your front, which can help you breathe deep into your abdomen.” AND RELAX Daniel continues, “Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique involving tensing, then slowly releasing each muscle group in the body, starting from your toes and working up to your head. This practice helps to release physical tension and promotes a sense of overall relaxation. Another technique is using guided meditation such as Yoga Nidra, which promotes deep relaxation and stress relief. It involves lying down in a comfortable position while being led through a series of body scans, breathing exercises, and visualisations. The practice helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing tension and calming the mind. Despite its name, you remain in a state between wakefulness and sleep, allowing your mind to rest deeply while maintaining awareness. Yoga Nidra is an effective tool for reducing stress, improving sleep quality and supporting emotional balance. WELL GROUNDED Grounding techniques can help to bring your focus back to the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety. Daniel says, “A simple grounding exercise is sitting or laying down, closing your eyes and imagining your hands and feet growing roots like a tree, going deeper and deeper into the earth’s core, anchoring you to the earth as you breathe deeply.” “Look for activities that personally bring you comfort and relaxation.” Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash Ivana Cajina on Unsplash 62
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