Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially as the day draws nearer and you start to worry about how all of the planning will actually turn out. But agonising can have a negative affect on how you look and behave, and let’s face it; nobody wants to deal with a Bridezilla. So consider some of these options before you say” I do” to calm your nerves, look your best and feel great about yourself.
Keep calm and do yoga
Yoga is the perfect way to cultivate the ultimate version of yourself. So if you’re feeling frazzled with all the wedding organisation and need a bit of time to evaluate things, a bit of yoga might be just the right thing for you. It’s a great way to reduce stress and calm down a mind busy with important plans for upcoming nuptials. The exercise helps us slow down for a moment and tune into the breath. And focusing on one thing is what allows us to decompress.
Some of the asanas (positions) are particularly effective for promoting relaxation, tension relief and restfulness and help certain parts of the body and to release tension in different ways. Additionally, yoga is fantastic for toning up and asanas like the Downward Facing Dog, Half-Moon Pose and Sage will help you wear your special dress with confidence.
Feel wonderful inside and out by visiting a spa or beauty parlour
A spa bride is a stunning bride. There isn’t a thing a day at the spa can’t cure, it’s a blessing, a place that helps you switch off and relax, recharge, reflect, detox and beautify. Modern-day spas cater to a range of health-promoting experiences. Whether it’s for a relaxing body massage or a vigorous body scrub, some time at the spa will help give you the boost you need to get through the tiring and testing pre-wedding period.
Spas are getting creative, with offers like water treatments to help find equilibrium, body wraps that remineralise and replenish the body and heat treatments that stimulate blood circulation. And as a bride, you can take advantage of the inherent benefits these treatments can provide to the mind, body and soul. So whether you want some precious time to yourself or want to make it a fun party or day out with your friends or sisters, a day at the spa will surely do wonders. Beauty treatments are also abundant for brides who want stunning hair and soft, radiant skin.
Travel to feel inspired and gain life lessons
If you have the opportunity to pack your bags and go, do it. Go alone if you have to. As well as being the perfect way to take a break and and regain some energy before your nuptials, it’s a great way to prepare you for what’s ahead. Plus if you travel for the right reasons (i.e. not to take pictures for your Instagram account), it will make you a better, more-rounded person. Imagine making it up a mountain and discovering you have skill sets you never knew about. A trip is also one of the best ways to separate life stages because travel will give you some insight into your next phase and provide closure on the last one. It’s a great time stamp on that moment in your life. It also forces you out of your comfort zone, something you will have to deal with when you move to a new house or country with your husband and everything that comes with it.
Travel can also teach you to deal with some of the hitches you’ll probably encounter during the wedding preparation. You’ll get to realise itineraries are guidelines, not rigid measurements of experience. The best experiences are often not scheduled or anticipated and it’s a real advantage to expect the unexpected and learn to love it. By missing a bus, you get to experience waiting at a foreign bus stop, and what other choice do you have than enjoying the moment? Learning to be patient is also something travel imparts. You won’t exactly be an enjoyable travel buddy if you yell at your friend for reading the map wrong and getting lost. Learning you can’t assume and looking at things in a different perspective is yet another life lesson to gain from travelling. And travelling to a health and wellness retreat is probably one of the best ways to deal with those pre-wedding jitters.
Feeling Cash Strapped?
There are plenty of things you can do that don’t cost a lot of money yet will help making you feel relaxed and rejuvenated for your big day.
Catch a Chick Flick
Chances are most brides are so busy making arrangements for their weddings that going to the movies is the furthest thing from their minds. But, the uninterrupted time without having to worry about a ringing cell phone or obsessing over menu options may be just what you need to clear your head, even if it is just for a couple of hours.
Visit Your Favourite Place
Every bride has a favourite place, be it a museum, a beach, or even the spot where she met her husband to be. In the days leading up to the wedding, one of the most appeasing things to do is visit that beloved place just for a little tranquillity. With all those wonderful memories coming back, you’re sure to feel better.
Hang Out With Friends
They might have a hen night planned for you, but as you know they probably aren’t the best way to unwind. So set some time aside for your close friends for a dinner, DIY spa at home or even a sleepover. The idea is to have some time to just enjoy each other, because chances are, after the wedding takes place, these times will be few and far between.
Prepare a Family Dinner
Cooking is said to be therapeutic, so why not prepare a meal and enjoy it with family? Spend time reminiscing and bring out the old photo albums to show how much things have changed. Make a no wedding talk rule and relish being with your loved ones.
Read a Book
There is nothing better than being immersed in a good book. If you want to take a break from all the wedding preparation but don’t have the time or money for a trip, a book can take you to so many places without even having to move. Just relax, get comfortable and enjoy one of those novels that have been gathering dust on your bookshelf.
