Once you’re engaged, everyone you know will have their own unique opinion on what your wedding should look and feel like, and many times these opinions all clash. However, the one thing everyone can agree on when it comes to weddings is that planning them is stressful. Your wedding only lasts one day but planning one can take months, so here’s our list of ways to de-stress so that you can enjoy the planning process!

Take care of yourself

Exercising and eating right are easy ways to reduce stress levels. Often people turn to comfort food when they’re stressed, but many common comfort foods are high in fat and can increase stress! Foods high in fat make your body feel lethargic and less able to deal with stress. The best foods to eat when stressed are foods that are high in fiber, low in fat, and carbohydrate rich, such as baked sweet potatoes, minestrone soup, as well as fruits and vegetables.These foods will not only help you better manage your stress, but they’ll also make your body feel good too! Exercising is also a proven way to reduce stress because it produces endorphins, which serve as “feel good” hormones, making you feel better and sleep better, which in turn reduces stress. Check out our Epic Pre-Wedding Workout Playlist to help get you in the zone!

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the oldest methods of stress reduction. It originated in Ancient Egypt and was used in ancient healing and therapeutic practices. Aromatherapy works to reduce stress by using scent to affect how people feel. When we inhale air infused with essential oils, the olfactory receptors in our nose process the information and sends it to the limbic system (which is where our emotions are processed), and it is there that it stimulates the release of certain chemicals in the brain that can relieve stress. Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Chamomile, and Vanilla are all commonly used for stress relief. Along with reducing stress, they all smell great too!

Delegate

One reason many brides-to-be are super stressed is because they have too much on their plate. It’s natural to want everything to be perfect for your special day, but taking on more than you can handle will only add stress and ruin all the fun of planning your wedding. By picking one or two people you trust to help you with all the details, it will not only help with your stress levels but will make those people feel included in a special way.

Touch Therapy

Studies have shown that a 20 second hug can dramatically reduce the effects of stress on your body, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. Hugging and other forms of physical contact, like hand-holding and massage, are also shown to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. So use your stress as an excuse to snuggle up with your fiance, and check out some of our fun at home date ideas to remind you what your wedding is really all about – your love!

Organize, Organize, Organize

The days and weeks leading up to the big day are guaranteed to be extra stressful with last minute meetings, fittings, and rehearsals. To ensure you don’t lose your cool and transform into Bridezilla, stay organized! Keeping on top of everything will reduce your stress and alleviate any fears that you’re forgetting something. Our free Wedding Planning Checklist is an easy way to keep you on track and organized in preparation for your special day.