Surprise surprise, weddings could be stressful. What should be the happiest day of your life can often turn into a headache of paperwork, invitation-sending, and nerves. Alabama destination weddings or Gulf Coast beach weddings sound nice in the abstract, but do you and your bride/groom have the mental capacity to deal with all the work of organizing such a thing? This is where practicing mindfulness on your wedding day comes into play.

For those who may not be aware, mindfulness is the art of being mindful and present in the moment. That may sound simple in practice, but it really is not. In our everyday lives, we are often so caught up in thinking about the near future (“I need to be in this place soon”, “where am I going to get lunch after this?”) that we neglect the absolute here and now. Mindfulness and meditation, when done properly, calm us from our hectic schedules and encourage us to appreciate the moment here and now. There’s no point in luxurious Alabama destination weddings or lush Gulf Coast beach weddings if we cannot de-stress and appreciate these magical events as they unfold.

Below we have outlined some very basic techniques to mindfulness on your wedding day, though there are a plethora of apps and classes out there to help you even further.

Breathe

Stop somewhere and focus on your breath for 1 minute. Breathe in and out slowly. Observe your breath, trying to put all other thoughts at bay. It sounds simple, but is very easy for the mind to wander without you realizing at first. Stop thinking about that Alabama destination wedding and focus on the breath!

 Observe

Sit somewhere in a natural place such as a garden or park. Pick out a single organism (such as an insect or bird) and simply watch it go about its day-to-day life. There is so much beauty in the world that we ignore.

 Feel

While sitting down, actively “scan” down your body and “feel” each part separately. Start at the top of your head and move all the way down to your toes. Focus on areas that feel relaxed, as well as those that feel tense. Feel your entire physical being.

Listen

Closing your eyes and listening to your surroundings can be a surreal and awakening experience. Whether it’s the traffic outside, a distant birdsong, or the ticking on a nearby clock, the gentle waves of noise can help us tune in more acutely to the world around us.

These techniques will train your mind to become more present and relaxed in stressful situations, allowing you to keep your cool on your wedding day. Gulf Coast beach weddings need to be enjoyed, not stressed about!