Wedding planning is definitely one of the most stressful times in your life and this is often the case even for the most organised brides-to-be. But, while stress is a normal part of the planning process, it’s not good for your head, not to mention the havoc stress will play on your skin. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of ways to de-stress and we have ten of them to calm you down.
Be self-aware
When you’re delving into the wedding planning process it’s important to start out with a clear idea of what’s ahead of you and know what’s most likely to stress you out. Preparation is key so if you know what to expect, then you’ll be better prepared to handle it and now how to de-stress from it.
Meditate
One of the best ways to de-stress from any situation is to meditate. If you’re not a regular meditator you might be surprised about how much practice you need. Sit up straight, roll your shoulders back and make sure your spine is straight. Keep your mind focussed. You might find this hard the first few times you try, especially with all the to-do lists you have. Every time you find your mind wander, bring it back and focus on your breathing. Don’t control your breathing, but count your breaths to help your mind focussed. Even ten minutes will help you de-stress.
Use essential oils to de-stress
Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are perfect for helping to relax your mind and even sleep better. Lavender is one of the most popular oils for calming and balancing the senses. Other scents such as vanilla, rose and frankincense were excellent oils for de-stressing a bride. Keep a small bottle in your purse and add a small dab to your pulse points or smell it when you feel the need to de-stress. You should also use relaxing body oil before bed to help you have a stress-free sleep. Neom have a range of relaxing oils to help you de-stress as well as boost your energy.
Take care of yourself
You have to take care of yourself physically and mentally to keep your stress levels down. Keep your diet healthy, no snacking on chocolate at your desk as you work through your lunch to go furiously venue hunting. Planning your wedding will make you busier and more stressed than normal so that naturally means you’ll need to take even more care of yourself than normal. Don’t skip your lunch, go for walks regularly and unwind with a book or some television in the evening – not a wedding magazine or ‘Say Yes to the Dress’. That does not constitute de-stressing from wedding.
Pamper yourself
Don’t starve yourself of treats. You deserve to take some time out to pamper yourself and de-stress. Take the time out to go for a massage or a facial, or even just treat yourself to a blow dry or get your nails done. Don’t take yourself for granted. If you don’t take the time out to do something relaxing for yourself you’ll burn out very quickly. We know it can be tempting to save every penny you have for the wedding, but it's essential that you set some funds aside for your pamper treats.
Limit caffeine
We know it’s probably not what you want to hear, especially with so much to do and so little time. However, caffeine is a stimulant and it’s guaranteed to get you even more jittery and, while you may fee that initial burst of energy from a cup of strong coffee, it definitely won't do your stress levels any favours. If you’re craving something warm to keep you going, opt for herbal tea or switch your coffee for decaf.
Delegate jobs
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and delegate some last minute jobs if you’re feeling stressed. Just because it’s your wedding, doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. Get your friends and family to help you, especially in the final weeks leading up to the wedding. Even though you might feel like it’s time to go hell for leather, it’s actually the time you should de-stress the most. So ask for help, you’ll need it.
Take time off from wedding planning
If we haven’t spelled it out for you enough between mediation and pampering yourself with treats, you need to take a break from wedding planning regularly. Make sure you have plenty of wedding-free conversations and dates with your fiancé. You don’t want your relationship to just be about the wedding. You should also go out with your girlfriends and make a plan to not talk about the wedding. Either way, it’s good to have some wedding-free time to help you de-stress.
Get plenty of sleep
This comes part and parcel with taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally, however, it deserves a point all on its own, because a lack of sleep will have some seriously negative effects on you. It will make you irritable, forgetful, impair your judgement and have your stress levels up to 90. Make sure you get 7-9 hours a night. You might also use some of that lavender oil to help you sleep soundly. Also, we know you don't want to hear it, but try to step away from the electrical devices an hour before bed to calm your very stimulated brain down.
Go out with your fiancé
Don’t neglect your fiancé in these stressful times. He could be just as stressed as you and you need to de-stress together. Aside from that, it’s important for you to spend quality time together, while planning your wedding. As we said, the time you spend together to unwind should be wedding talk-free. You both have more significant things in your relationship than the wedding and you both have your own lives.
- Jenny Darmody
Image credits: Bride and groom: Eric Kelley | Meditation: iStock | Bride: Natalie Schutt Photography | Bridesmaids: Studio H Town | Bride and groom: This Modern Romance