Preparing for your Big Day can be incredibly exciting. But as any bride knows, wedding planning can also be extremely stressful. Between finding the perfect dress, booking the venue, and hiring all of the essentials, you’ll probably be feeling on-edge from now until the last guest leaves. To avoid having a huge emotional breakdown during the days leading up to your wedding, you’ll want to prioritize your self-care routine. It might seem like just one more task to check off on your list, but this is the most effective way to ensure your needs are being met during a critical time. So before you and your bridesmaids get into one of the 130,000 or so limousines that provide service for special occasions all across the U.S., make these self-care tips part of your pre-nuptial regimen.
Make Frequent Pampering a Habit
A lot of brides-to-be recognize the importance of having a spa day with their wedding party as a bonding experience. But you should also make sure you carve out time in your schedule to get pampered on your own. Yes, it can be an added expense, especially if you book services at an in-demand luxury spa. But keep in mind that you don’t have to spend hundreds to treat yourself. You can easily turn your bathroom into an oasis and set aside your Sundays for the sole purpose of self-care. And if you’re able to book a massage here and there, definitely do so. And consider that a laser hair removal session can take as little as 30 minutes. Chiropractors can also help to ensure you keep your stress at bay and that your posture improves, so you might consider making an appointment for the more than 1 million chiropractic adjustments that are given every day. Otherwise, invest in some primo skincare products, don’t neglect your hair care, and prioritize your nail health leading up to the big day. Not only will it feel great to indulge a bit, but you’ll also feel even more beautiful once it’s time to say your vows.
Don’t Forget to Eat
Currently, 54% of Americans are trying to lose weight — and if you’re getting married, there’s a good chance that you might be fixated on what the scale says. A lot of brides feel pressure to embrace a super-healthy lifestyle and shed the pounds leading up to the big day. Unfortunately, this can cause a lot of women to neglect what their bodies really need. Rather than forcing yourself to go on a crash diet to fit into your dress, remember that you should be consuming everything in moderation — and that you can’t be the best version of yourself if you aren’t eating properly. Eating well and staying hydrated will allow you to cope with wedding planning stress far more gracefully. You may want to consult a nutritionist or embrace some new habits (like meal-prepping or using a meal delivery service) to make certain you’re getting the nutrition you need. If you’re the type of person who gets so busy that you forget to eat, enlist the help of a friend or family member to keep an eye on things and have healthy, filling food on-hand.
Give Yourself Time Off
Planning your wedding can feel all-consuming. For many people, it might feel like another full-time job (and it often is, which is why many couples will hire a wedding planner!). If you’re determined to plan your wedding yourself or are DIYing at least some of these tasks, you need to prioritize work/life balance. Build wedding planning into your schedule and schedule time off from it. Be firm with these restrictions so that you aren’t tempted to get “little” things done when you’re supposed to be taking a break. Try to aim for one or two days off from wedding planning per week and enforce this policy to the utmost. That means you can’t just browse wedding ideas on Pinterest or place a quick call to the caterer. Unless there’s a true emergency, it can all wait until the next day.
Remember to Get Moving
Some brides are obsessive about hitting the gym so they can fit into their dress, but that puts an immense amount of pressure on you. Instead of focusing on calories burned or miles covered, highlight how exercise makes you feel. We all know that working out can release endorphins, which is exactly what your body and mind need during this stressful time. Find a workout that you really enjoy and that won’t cause you to fixate on achieving an unattainable goal. Work out so that you can prioritize your peace and happiness. Whether you take a nightly walk with your betrothed or sign up for Zumba with your BFF, simply prioritize the practice of moving your body.
Ban Negative Self-Talk
A wedding puts a lot of pressure on a bride to look perfect. We are all our own worst critics, and this can add substantial stress to the equation. Make a pact with yourself to treat yourself like you would your best friend. You would never tell a loved one that she needs to lose 10 pounds or that her wedding guests will be staring at her untoned arms. Don’t allow your self-image to be negatively affected by the voices of doubt in your head. Adopt a new mantra, put up notes to remind yourself of your worth and your beauty, and acknowledge when you slip back into old habits. It might sound silly, but saying your positive traits aloud on a frequent basis can change your entire outlook.
It can be difficult to make time for these tasks, but keep in mind that self-care isn’t selfish. Properly taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure you’re able to take care of others. If you embrace these tips well before you walk down the aisle, you’ll be in a much better position to actually enjoy your special day — rather than ruining it with your worries.
