Wedding planning can be stressful! Between planning around different family dynamics, sticking to a budget, family members getting too involved or not involved at all, and trying to please everyone (not possible by the way), it can easily become overwhelming. Prioritizing yourself can sound like just another thing to find time for, but it will help you avoid getting overly stressed and you might just end up enjoying the process. Regardless, it is never a bad idea to practice self-care regularly.
1. Get your Beauty Sleep
It is so much easier to start your day off right when you are getting up from a full night of sleep. The rejuvenation from 7+ hours of sleep is vital for nearly every system of your body, including the ability to think clearly, learn new information, and manage your emotions. All things that might be helpful to a busy bride-to-be.
2. Commit to a Reset Day Each Week
Choose a day to block off your calendar and focus on catching up on all of the general tasks that occasionally get overlooked when you are busy with work or other major projects. That means no wedding planning! Managing your home and getting chores taken care of on your reset day frees up time throughout the rest of the week so you can prioritize work and wedding planning and generally start the week with a clearer mind.
3. No Wedding Planning at Work
Make the rule "No wedding planning during work hours. No work during wedding planning hours." It is so easy to fall into internet black holes while searching for the perfect pair of wedding shoes, bridesmaids robes or a gift for your groom. An hour later you realize nothing has been accomplished for the wedding, nothing for your job, and it just creates a whole lot of anxiety. Keep work at work and schedule a different time to focus just on wedding planning.
4. Make Time to Move
Don't stress yourself out by hyper focusing on weight loss. If cardio or weightlifting is a stress reliever for you, do it regularly. If you enjoy quiet time focusing on your body and health, yoga would be a great option. When the thought of exercising feels like a chore, take a walk outdoors. A casual walk outside will provide you with much needed Vitamin D and keep your serotonin levels up, raising your energy and keeping your mood calm, positive, and focused.
5. Plan a Date Night Without Talk of Wedding Planning
Even if you make a simple plan to just dine out one night, focus on having fun and spending time together. Save the stressors for another day and remember what getting married is really all about... you two enjoying life together.
6. Eat Well
Fuel your body. If you’re not getting the proper nutrition that you need, you’re not only putting your health at risk but you’re also setting yourself up for more stress. When you eat well, your body can handle stress better and you won’t feel so drained all of the time.
7. Go Out with the Girls
Make time to go out with your friends, have fun and LAUGH! According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter actually induces physical changes in your body including:
Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
8. Pamper Yourself Regularly
Treat yourself to a relaxing at-home spa treatment. Put on a hydrating face mask and paint your nails, or run a hot bath and sit with a conditioning hair treatment on your locks. Even your regular skincare routine can be amped up by adding in simple tools and techniques like a facial massage with a jade roller, wearing a light therapy mask or an invigorating cold globe or ice roller treatment.
9. Drink Water
“Studies have shown that being just half a liter dehydrated can increase your cortisol levels,” says Amanda Carlson, RD. Cortisol is one of those stress hormones. Staying hydrated can keep your stress levels down.
Stress can also cause dehydration, and dehydration can cause stress. It’s a vicious cycle. You can break it by building more water consumption into your day.
10. Practice Mindfulness
Each day, take a moment to reflect on something you’re grateful for in your wedding planning journey. This positive perspective shift can help keep stress at bay.
Set aside time for mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga. These activities can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Remember that it's essential to prioritize your well-being. By incorporating these self-care practices into your routine, you can better manage the challenges of planning a wedding and enjoy the journey leading up to your special day.
Cheers!!
