Source: Crystal Genes Photography

Relax.  Your pre wedding health depends on it!  Getting sleep and avoiding feeling stressed will make a huge impact on your body as the months creep closer to your big day.

Stress is easy to come by while planning a wedding, but will cause numerous health issues if you chose to carry the stress.  You will build up the stress and begin to see changes in your sleeping pattern, your immune system and your overall attitude.

Why it is Important to Avoid Stress:

1. Your sleeping pattern will become off schedule, you will feel tired during the day and you will be unable to sleep during the night hours.  Your sleep will become restless and you may not be reaching your deepest REM cycle of sleep.

2. Your immune system will begin to slowly fail. Your body might feel achy and you will be much more likely to catch whatever bug is going around that season.

3. You will become cranky (or at least I do)!  Little issues that pop up you won’t handle as well as you should because of the tension and stress you are feeling.  Small things will become Big things in the planning process.

Suggestions on Embracing Your Stress:

1. Learn to manage your stress.  When you feel your body begin to tense and you feel the adrenaline pumping and stress building take a step back.  Walk away from what you are doing and take 10 minutes to rest.  Stress isn’t necessarily all bad, but you need to learn to control it and not let it build up.

2. Get a massage!  Plan a pre-wedding beauty day to pamper yourself including a full body massage to work out any kinks you may have building up.  I have also known brides to not only do a pre-wedding massage, but to purchase packages and they get one 3 – 4 months prior and then another one the week prior.  It forces you to make time for yourself and relax.

3. Find time for your life outside of the wedding. Wedding planning is consuming.  Brides many times feel they are all alone in the planning process.  While their group of friends are out on the town they are at home planning invitations and addressing envelopes.  Don’t feel trapped by your plans.  Schedule time for your friends at least once a week – get out and laugh! The simple act of laughter every day will help your stress feel more manageable in the long run.

How did you decrease stress building up to your big day?

Run. and if you can’t run, Walk. if you don’t like walking, Bike. if cycling is too boring for you, Row. Find what works for you and get off the couch!

You may ask … when are you going to find time to exercise when your calendar is already jam packed with meetings and friends/family and countless plans. I promise you that if you make time to exercise during the planning process you will feel like you have more time than ever and be re-energized to face each day with a positive outlook and excitement!

Why exercise?

• Improves Endurance - Exercise will help improve the stamina of your body and allow it to use less energy for the same amount of work. Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to do strenuous activities and you will be surprised at how much more energy you feel you have throughout the day.
• Improves Your Mood – Exercise triggers endorphins which make you feel happier and relaxed. Endorphins are your body’s natural pain and stress fighters. When you exercise and look better, your confidence will increase along with your self esteem. So next time wedding planning stresses you out go for a short 30 minute run/walk and instantly feel better!
• Controls Your Weight – Many brides I meet want to drop those last 5 excess pounds. Exercise is the way this is going to happen! While watching what you eat will play a huge role in weight management – physical activity will help you burn the extra calories. You can make the workouts fun by getting your fiance involved or your maid of honor! Take the stairs more often and use commercials to do sit ups or jumping jacks during your favorite shows.
• Gives You a Good Night’s Sleep – By exercising more often your body will drift into a deeper sleep and should fall asleep faster. Your body will work harder during the day with the work out and have a greater need to recoup when the night comes. Avoid workouts too close to bedtime, this will only stimulate your heart and brain and make it much more difficult to stay asleep.
• Better Sex – Yes, I said it! The spark will be added back into your sex life by exercising more frequently! You will be looking better and will be more comfortable and confident with your body. The feel good endorphins we mentioned earlier will help enhance your arousal. If none of the other reasons catch your eye – as newlyweds I know this one is on the top of your list!

Leave a comment, I want to hear why or why you don’t keep the wedding invitations of your friends and family members!