No One Said Planning Your Wedding Would Be Easy, But It Is Worth It

When you feel completely overwhelmed, like you can’t look at another centerpiece, here are some tips to help you get a grip:

1. Reach for a healthy snack, not the junk food. Sugars can cause your body to “crash,” but if you stock up on fresh veggies, cheese sticks and nuts, you are sure to keep your energy up, your blood sugar steady and your mind focused.
2. Make Time for Exercise: When you don’t think you need exercise is probably when your body actually needs it the most. Make it a priority to fit exercise into your schedule at least three to three to four times per week for at least 30 to 45 minutes per session. This will help keep you in shape and blow off steam.

Just Breathe: As the lyrics to the popular song by Anna Nalick wisely advise, “Cradle your head in your hands and breathe…just breathe.” As simple as it sounds, using deep-breathing exercises can be one of your greatest weapons in the war against stress. Step away from the stressful situation! Close your eyes and breathe deeply and quietly for a few minutes. A mere few minutes of concentrating on your breath can really help you to decompress.
Meditation: Believe it or not, meditating isn’t just for Buddhist monks. Though the concept is foreign to most of us in the West, meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and put us in touch with our inner strength. If you are new to meditation, you may want to work with a group. Many gyms, churches and civic centers offer meditation classes. If you can’t find a meditation course in your area, there are plenty of guided meditations on DVD and CD for you to choose from.

Get Organized: Are you always trying to get “organized?” Do you frequently find yourself staying up all night on April 14 to finish your tax return? Well, those types of situations are indeed very stressful, but they are also completely avoidable. Planning, scheduling and organizing your time may seem more stressful at first, but it will make your life much easier to manage in the long run.

Give Yourself a Break: Be sure to give yourself little rewards and schedule ample time for fun. It is always easier to cope with stress when you have something to look forward to.

Pamper Yourself: Set aside at least one hour a week to pamper your body. Get a manicure or a pedicure — or spend an hour soaking in a bubble bath. At least once a month, consider having some bodywork done such as a massage, an exfoliation or another kind of spa treatment. Not only will you be able to soothe away your stress, but you’ll also let your body know that you appreciate all it does for you.

Keep That Sense of Humor. As Oscar Wilde once said, “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” Keeping a sense of humor about things and not taking yourself too seriously is one of the most effective coping strategies available. Remember that wherever there is laughter, there is still hope.