As exciting as wedding planning can be, it can fill your days with a lot of stress. Most brides are planning their wedding while working or going to school full time, neither of which leave much time for relaxing. But managing your stress is a vital part of pulling off the wedding without a glitch. Keeping your stress at healthy levels will keep your skin healthy, your eyes bright, your smile genuine, and your attitude easygoing on the big day. Here are ten ideas to get you started.
Bedtime routine
A bedtime routine helps your body and mind know when to wind down at the end of the day, preparing you for deep and uninterrupted sleep. Begin dimming the lights as you prepare for bed. Turn off overhead lights and turn on lamps instead, and then turn down those lights one at a time. Stay away from screens such as laptops, televisions, and smart phones in the 30 minutes before lights out, as the lights from those screens keep your brain alert. Make it a priority to wash your face, brush your teeth, read or stretch instead.
Morning routine
A morning routine helps you prepare for the day ahead and minimizes your odds of rushing into a busy day without taking care of yourself first. Get up early enough to make it a priority to eat a healthy breakfast, exercise, practice deep breathing, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, or whatever else makes you feel ready for the day. Even if you’re not a creature of habit, a bit of self-care routine at the start of every day can make a significant difference in your stress levels.
Sun-bathing
If you’re lucky enough to be planning your wedding in a time or place that is warm and sunny, take advantage of that and sun bathe as often as you can. Sunlight has incredible healing properties for the mind and body. Even a 10-15 minute walk in the sun lower stress levels and boosts serotonin, the body’s natural happiness hormone. If you’re unable to spend time in the sun, try relaxing in a hot tub, a hot bath, or even just taking a mental vacation for a day (ban all wedding planning, technology, or anything else that you want to avoid for a day) to balance your mind and emotions.
Light exercise
Incorporate movement into every day, if you can. A short daily walk can help you feel less stressed, and you can work it into your lunch break or study breaks. Practice yoga, go for a quick run every morning or evening when you get home from work, or go for a bike ride.
Start a good novel
Reading can be really therapeutic, simply because it takes your mind off of your to-do list. Setting a timer for 30 minutes will allow yourself to get lost in it without worrying about when you need to get back to work. After your reading break, you’ll be able to return to your work with a clearer mind and calmer thoughts.
Get a massage
Because a massage literally release stress and tension from your muscles, it is one of the best investments you can make for your health and happiness. Book a couple’s massage and go with your fiancé—you’re not the only one feeling the stress of wedding planning!
Deep breathing
At any point in the day, pause whatever you’re doing and take a deep, deep inhale. Hold it for a few seconds. Exhale. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat. This will instantly calm your mind and body and help you remember that what you’re stressing about isn’t the end of the world.
Journal
This classic technique is a great way to process your thoughts from the day. Processing lowers stress and allows you to put events into perspective and let things go.
Watch a comedy
Laughing is one of the best ways to manage stress and help you relax. Rent a comedy with your fiancé—studies have shown that people who laugh together feel closer. So you had a rough week? Hit your reset button with a few good giggles.
Sleep
Don’t skimp on your sleeping. Feeling tired will escalate stress, but being rested will help you manage all the details of wedding planning. If you’re too stressed to sleep—try any of the ideas above to unwind until your mind is calm enough to rest.
Related articles
