Preparing for your wedding can be stressful and crazy, no matter if your months, weeks, or days away. Because wedding planning tends to bring on some added stress, practicing self-care is incredibly crucial. Luckily, self-care isn't just one specific activity to make you feel refreshed and new; it comes in many forms. Keep reading to learn some of the best ways you can practice self-care as a bride to be!
TAKE A BREAK FROM PLANNING
It’s no secret that wedding planning can be hectic and stressful. Depending on your timeline, size of the event, among other details, a lot goes into planning and it takes a lot of time and effort; some may even consider it a full-time job! If you find yourself constantly working and worrying over your wedding, it can drive you crazy. And while the thought of taking breaks might stress you out initially, it can help you in the long run. The easiest way to give yourself a break from planning is by taking one or two days off a week. That means no phone calls, no Pinterest, and no talk about the wedding at all! Stepping away from your planning may seem counterproductive but you’d be surprised what you can accomplish once you’ve given yourself some downtime.
CONSIDER YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE
You may be wondering what your period has to do with the big day, but for some brides, it can be a make or break situation. Based on your cycle, there’s a chance that you may end up with your period when you walk down the aisle. Of course, there are ways to manage it, it’s all about finding what works best for you.
One way you can manage your cycle is by speaking with your doctor to see if skipping it is a safe option. By manipulating your period, you can then plan your wedding without fear of any hiccups. However, if you’d rather not mess around with your contraceptives, another way you can manage your period is by wearing a menstrual cup. This product can be great for your wedding day because unlike tampons or pads, it has the technology to prevent leaks for up to twelve hours.
Be sure to trust your maid of honor so that you’re not in this situation alone. She can have your back and be only leakage duty while reminding you to change your feminine products throughout the day. Ultimately, it’s important not to let the possibility of having your period on your wedding ruin the occasion, but instead, keep in mind that there are many ways to navigate the situation should you choose to do so.
PAMPER YOURSELF REGULARLY
There is no shame in wanting to glow on your big day. That’s why it’s important to make an effort to pamper yourself in the time leading up to the wedding. Activities such as a massage, facial, or manicures and pedicures are great ways to relax and give yourself some well deserved TLC. If you’re looking to save some money, there are ways you can treat yourself from the comfort of your home. You can stock up on your favorite bath bombs, DIY some homemade face masks, and a refreshing glass of your favorite beverage. The stress of wedding planning can take a toll physically, therefore making some “me time” crucial.
SPEND TIME QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES
You might find yourself so wrapped up in wedding planning, as well as your day-to-day responsibilities, that you lose quality time with the people you love. By making an effort to spend time with your friends, family, and fiancé, you’ll be sure to relax and enjoy yourself throughout the process.
Arguably, one of the most exciting nights leading up to your big day is the bachelorette party. But don’t feel as though you have to wait until then to get in quality time with the girls! Recruit your closest pals to not only help you plan your big day but also help you destress from the craziness that can come along with planning. Whether it's wine and movie nights, shopping trips, or brunch, let loose and have some laughs with your friends.
Don’t forget to give yourself date nights with your future spouse. It’s just as important to spend quality time with your loved one leading up to the big day. While it can be easy to let the natural hustle and bustle of life get in the way, making an effort to spend extra time with your fiancé takes some of the stress away for the both of you.
FIND WAYS TO RELAX
Relaxation can look different for everyone but regardless of how you relax, it’s important to do it! If you’re unsure of how to give yourself dedicated time to unwind, consider starting with exercise. This may sound a bit backward at first, but working out releases endorphins that can leave you feeling in a better mood than when you began. You may also find comfort in other activities such as reading, journaling, or meditating. Each of these, among other hobbies, are guaranteed to beat stress and help you relax.
Whether you decide to test out one or all of the self-care tips we mentioned above, you'll be sure to be stress-free, prepped, and ready to walk down the aisle when your big day rolls around!