Your Guide to Self-Care in the Wedding Planning Whirlwind: 10 Tips

Wedding planning is an exciting process as you look ahead to your special day. However, there can be a lot of pressure to organize the perfect event. The day will only happen once, so you want to make all your preparation worth it.

That said, no bride should let their wedding planning take over their life. Remember to make time for self-care practices to refresh your mind and pick up your mood.

 

1. Remember to Eat

When planning gets hectic, prioritize basic necessities like food and water. Skipping meals can negatively impact the brain’s immune cells, especially when done long-term. Here are some tips for sticking to an eating schedule:

• Plan out your dishes: Before picking the main course and snacks for your wedding, think about this week’s menu. Having plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner can give you something to look forward to in the near future.
• Get into meal prepping: Set aside some weekend time to prep your meals for the week. This habit can minimize ordering food or buying takeout. Cooking a large batch can also be therapeutic since it will take your mind off of everything else.
• Set your alarms: If you have a busy schedule, set alarms on your phone. These reminders can prevent you from unconsciously going through the day without food. You can adopt the same habit for drinking water.

 

2. Set Hours for Wedding Planning

Keep your stress to a minimum by limiting your wedding planning to certain hours like a job. Schedule time for organization, meetings and calls with vendors.

Setting tasks throughout the weekdays can help you focus more on work and other aspects of life. Weekends might be free days you can fully dedicate to preparation, but try to leave some time for relaxation.

 

3. Take a Walk Outside

Some brides feel compelled to stay indoors and plan the wedding away. Shake things up by taking a quick walk outdoors where you can breathe in the fresh air and bask in the sunlight.

More sun exposure is associated with fewer symptoms of depression and mental health distress. Apart from the pick-me-up, regular walks can also assist with fitness and weight loss. Just remember to add sunscreen before heading out.

4. Follow a Skin Care Routine

Skin care is imperative if you want a glowing foundation when the wedding day rolls around. Use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer regularly to take care of your skin. Try to add an exfoliator to your routine, too. Pimples come from excessive dead skin that clogs the pores. Get rid of them with a gentle scrub.

 

5. Take Breaks From Your Phone

A scrolling session might seem like a good break, but the rabbit hole of Pinterest boards and wedding planning advice online can get overwhelming. Set up a different downtime routine, like reading a book or watching a new series with your soon-to-be spouse. Games can also redirect your focus.

 

6. Spend Time With Your Favorite People

Wedding planning is hectic, so remember to catch up with the people you love as a form of self-care. Call up the family to have brunch or invite friends to visit an art gallery.

Your partner should also be at the top of your list. Some couples take a mini-moon before the wedding to avoid the stresses of planning. A little time away is a great opportunity to catch up about what’s been going on and how excited you two are to spend the rest of your lives together.

 

7. Practice Mindfulness Techniques

Practice being more mindful to combat the stress of wedding planning. The future requires a lot of thought, but you also need to be aware of the present. Here are some suggestions that can help:

• Try breathing exercises: Take a couple of deep breaths to calm yourself down. Make sure to release them slowly and actively pay attention to the way you inhale and exhale.
• Practice meditation: Find a quiet place to sit down and relax. Close your eyes, let your thoughts flow and take some time to feel your emotions.
• Create a journal: Try journaling to release any stressful thoughts about wedding planning and life — and to create a record of your excitement leading up to the big day.

 

8. Book a Spa Day

A little pampering every once in a while rejuvenates your body and mind. Go to the salon or spa as a treat for all the wedding planning work you’ve done so far. Some of the best treatments for brides include:

• A manicure and pedicure: A mani-pedi is perfect for easing tension and removing dead cuticles. Plus, it gives you a pretty nail design to boost your spirits long after you leave the salon.
• Hair treatments: A dramatic hair change before the big day is probably out, but you can still treat your scalp and strands. Anti-frizz and keratin treatments are great for revitalizing your hair.
• Massage: Massage therapy offers relief for the body and mind. There’s nothing like relaxing while the tension in your neck and shoulders melts away.

 

9. Sip Some Wine

Self-care is self-indulgence, so allow yourself a glass or two! About 44% of American women prefer red wine, while 42% love white wine. Whichever side you’re on, give yourself a toast for pushing through with wedding planning.

 

10. Focus on Getting Sleep

Sleep is important for resetting your energy levels. Women need more sleep compared to men on a normal night. In the whirlwind of wedding planning, you’re bound to get a couple of sudden thoughts that’ll keep you awake. Nevertheless, try your best to get some shut-eye. Put away your phone when in bed to condition yourself to sleep.

 

Prioritize Yourself Over the Planning

There’s no wedding without proper planning. To lay the groundwork, you need to put yourself first with ample rest and self-care. Set that time aside and enjoy every moment of this chapter in your life as you and your partner head into the next.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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