Preparing for your wedding day entails many tasks. From deciding on what flowers will adorn your ceremony to finding the best possible band to entertain your guests, you undoubtedly have a long to do list and can leave no stone unturned. Because of this, brides tend to become stressed out, tired, and desperately in need of some relaxation. In order to aid in that de-stressing process, we have curated a list of the best yoga practices to do in preparation for your big day. Keep reading to find out the best ways to hit the mat that will lead to nothing but pre-wedding bliss
Mountain pose
This pose is designed to help you begin the process of purposeful breathing. This practice will stimulate growth of the brain’s frontal cortex, which regulates emotion, which is a perfect way to balance yourself in a hectic and stressful time.
To complete this pose, start by standing up straight with your big toes lightly touching while your heels remain apart, evenly distributing your weight throughout your feet. Next, roll your shoulder blades down your back and allow your arms to hang loosely by your torso, with your palms facing forward. Throughout this pose, your chin should remain tucked and your eyes closed. Keeping your spine straight, roll your shoulders down your back as you slowly inhale and exhale.
Legs up the wall
For a bride who has spent an abundance of time on her feet running around setting details for her wedding, this is the perfect pose to rest her body and to reset. This pose stretches your hamstrings and is easy to complete. Lie flat on the ground placing a pillow underneath your lower back for support if needed. Straightening your legs against the wall, extend your arms to your side and stack your heels over your hips. It’s as easy as that!
Child’s pose
This is the ultimate pose to ease your anxiety and stress as a bride-to-be. This is categorized as an active resting pose that can help to calm your mind as a whole. It also serves to stretch your back and hips, making you feel as if you are melting into the ground (in a good way, of course!).
To complete this pose, kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels with your big toes touching and knees separately widely. Lay your torso and arms in front of you as you exhale, feeling your shoulder blades open as you reach forward. As you complete this pose, you will feel your hips and lower back stretch as you breathe slowly throughout the practice.
Cat cow
This is a common yoga pose, but it packs some serious punch. It not only increases flexibility, but it also increases the strength of your spine. There are also mental benefits to this pose as it is associated with increased emotional balance and stability of the mind, making it the perfect pre-wedding stance.
Begin this simple motion by starting on all fours in the tabletop position. Your shoulders should be stacked over your wrists and your hips over your knees. Inhaling, arch your back to move into cow pose. Alternatively, as you exhale, round your back to come into cat pose. As you breathe, continue this move in a steady rhythm to reap the benefits of cat cow.
The best thing about these poses is that they are simple and can be done virtually anywhere and at any time. Don’t let wedding planning stress you out, and instead indulge in these fun and effective yoga poses to ensure that you can enjoy every minute of this special time and be completely prepared physically and mentally for the big day!