De-Stress Before You Put On the Dress

The month before your wedding is the time to wrap up all the last minute details. Confirm attendance with all your guests, buy bridesmaids gifts, make last minute menu changes, schedule your final dress fitting... the list goes on and on. As the clock ticks down to the Big Day, many brides also start to feel a little stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious! After all, this is going to be one of the biggest days of your life- your emotions are heightened!

We've put together a great list of ways to de-stress and unwind before the wedding so that those days leading up to your nuptials are happy, healthy, and enjoyable. 

1. Continue exercising, or start now. 

Exercise is proven to help individuals feel less stressed. Your body creates endorphins during exercise, and when they are released into your body, many people experience feelings of happiness!

photo: Portland Chiropractor

2. Meet up with you friends....and DON'T talk about the wedding! 

Meet up with your bridesmaids or other girlfriends and enjoy conversations about something other than your wedding. It's easy to forget about what's happening in your friends' lives the closer you get to the wedding. Take the focus away from both you and the planning to help lower anxiety levels.

photo: Getty Images

3. Eat healthy food.

Keeping your blood sugar steady, your digestion functioning, and your stomach happy sets you up for a more positive body image, clearer thoughts, and higher energy levels. "Eating a heart healthy diet -- high in fiber and low in saturated fat -- is a great place to start to boost your mood. There isn’t any question about it," says Diane M. Becker MPH, ScD, director of the Center for Health Promotion at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

photo: Fit For Broadway

4. Keep calm and meditate - just for a few minutes a day.

Meditating for just 10 minutes a day can drastically change your stress levels.  Sit cross-legged on the floor, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Rid your mind of all thoughts about the wedding and just be in the moment. Feeling connected to your body and breath makes you feel in control and confident. Here are a few tips.

photo: Huffington Post

5. Get Outside.

No matter what the temperature is, get outside and catch some sun rays! The fresh air, vitamin D, and natural sites can lighten your mood. Studies have suggested that nature increases happiness, health, and well-being. Pair your time outside with some exercise, meditation, or time with friends - and you've got a recipe for a happy, healthy afternoon!

photo: Flickr

Remember: take time for YOU during the final countdown to your wedding - and make sure you're taking care of your health and happiness amongst all the crazy planning! Less stress means you can spend more time enjoying the process and making memories that you'll look back on for years to come.