The Post-Wedding Blues

Maybe nobody told you about post-wedding blues. You arrive home from your glorious honeymoon and the next morning, when you wake up, you are feeling unexpectedly low. You don’t understand it – your wedding day was your happiest day ever, after all the months of stress and planning, everything came together almost perfectly. So why are you feeling sad?

Why couples experience post-wedding blues

Experiencing post-wedding blues is quite common. As many as 40% of couples feel some form of anticlimax after all the excitement is over. Counsellors point out that it is quite natural to feel down after such an emotionally charged time. Different people experience a variety of feelings, for a varying amount of time, after the big build up to their special day.

It stands to reason that after a period where the dopamine – the feel-good hormone – has been running high, there will be a drop, leaving the couple feeling that they have lost their sense of purpose or that there is nothing left to look forward to.

This phenomenon is not often spoken about. If it were, then more couples would be able to take preventive measures. Following a pre-wedding wellness routine would help the couple to try to keep their outlook in realistic proportion. Picking up the habits that had kept them grounded before the wedding will go a long way to relieve their blues once life returns to normal.

Surveys have shown that more women than men experience this unhappiness. It is also more likely to occur after a first marriage.

How to cope

Now more than ever it’s really important to keep the channels of communication open between you. Tell each other how you are feeling.  Assure your partner that this is not about them or that you are having second thoughts about spending the rest of your life with them. Be patient with yourselves and with each other. If only one of you is feeling miserable, the other must respect that and not dismiss it.

This might in fact be your first hurdle as a married couple. Think about what you want from your spouse and ask what they want you to do and not do.

Plan your future together. Set new goals. Look ahead to new adventures together. If you are able to travel, start discussing where you would like to go on your next holiday. Remember, your wedding was just one day. Now you have a whole lifetime together to look forward to.

Consider redefining relationships with your families. Discuss how much time you want to spend with your new in-laws and reach a healthy compromise if necessary.

Maybe you would like to reorganise your home. If you have moved into a new home after the wedding, enjoy making it comfortable and planning future changes.

Routines: something old, something new

Gently go back to your healthy eating habits. A balanced, nutritious diet will give you the vitamins and minerals which will help you to bring your emotions back into balance. Regular sleep patterns also help you to be able to deal with your problems.

Exercise is a powerful way to boost endorphin levels in the body, leading to improved mood and reduced stress. Endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, are released during physical activity and act as natural painkillers. Regular exercise not only enhances physical health but also significantly contributes to mental well-being by reducing anxiety, depression, and enhancing overall emotional resilience.

Spend time in nature, preferably as a couple, to get some “green therapy”. Go for walks or hikes, have picnics. Forest bathing is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote physical and mental well-being. This practice encourages individuals to engage with nature through all their senses.

Look for something new to do as a couple. Whether it’s dance classes, a craft activity that you both enjoy, a new style of cooking or walking in and finding out about new areas of your town, you will have a new interest that you share. This helps to take your mind off those post-wedding blues.

Some couples start to meditate, journal and consciously try to find joy in everyday events.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, post-wedding blues are a common and natural experience for many newlyweds. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself time to adjust to the new chapter of married life. Focusing on open communication with your partner, setting new goals, and cherishing the everyday moments can assist in the transition. Embrace this time to deepen your bond and create lasting memories as you build your future together.

Wordways Ceremonies offers a variety of non-religious ceremonies. Get in touch with Vanessa today to discuss your needs.