Top Tips for a Stress Free Wedding
The wedding invitations didn't turn out the way you
wanted. The dress isn't quite ready, and won't be
until five days before the wedding. You're stressed
about the wedding cake, the caterers, the hall... and you
have this sick feeling that perhaps you might be rushing
into something.
Planning your dream wedding may very well be one of the
most exciting and enjoyable times of your life.
Unfortunately it can also be both extremely stressful and
terribly frustrating. Why not try these stress-busting tips
to help you control the more difficult times and get on
with preparing for the big day?
Set
Goals
Never
bite off more than you can chew….
Set realistic goals and keep things under control. Don’t
let arrangements run away with your finances or allow
yourself to be persuaded into agreeing to things you really
do not want or cannot afford.
Make
a Plan
Make a
timetable and stick to it. You’ll know exactly what you
should be doing and feel a lot more organised. The more
time you spend planning the details of your wedding will
mean less stress for you.
Making lists is always useful - things 'to do', phone
numbers, ideas, suppliers. Write everything in a small
notebook and keep it with you for quick reference. You’ll
feel more in control of things.
Learn
to delegate
Feeling
responsibility for every aspect of your wedding can be a
hugely stressful burden. Spend as much time as possible
planning what needs to be done - but also who is going to
do it.
Delegate - your friends and family can do a lot to help.
Don't be afraid to ask. Give each person a specific task
and be appreciative when they have completed it. Do not try
to do everything yourself!
If you can afford it, use a wedding planner – they’re the
professionals after all!
Just
say NO
Now is
not the time to be a people-pleaser. It’s not unusual for
lots of people to want to have their say about your wedding
day!
Don’t forget – it’s your day, and while you may want to
make everyone happy, it’s best to start as you mean to go
on. Make your own wishes and plans clear at the start.
Being honest is the best policy all round.
See the bigger picture.
Remember why you are getting married. When you start to
feel under pressure, take a few minutes out to look at
romantic photographs, remember special moments or dream of
the future and it will make all the hard work seem worth
while again.
Stay healthy
Too much
stress can affect you physically and make you feel unwell.
Make sure you look after your health.
Now is not a time for crash diets – they can make you feel
ill, and they’re counterproductive. It’s much better for
you to eat a healthy balanced diet.
It’s important to get enough sleep at night – get into a
good bedtime routine and try to get 8 hours sleep each
night.
Eat
to beat the stress
A
balanced diet is rich in wholefoods and fresh fruit and
vegetables (aim for five portions a day). Bananas, green
leafy vegetables, fish and oats are all natural
stressbusters. Cut down on salt, sugar and refined foods,
and don't overdo stimulants such as tea, coffee and
alcohol.
Work
that stress out
Frequent
aerobic activity raises your fitness and energy levels,
relaxes tense muscles and helps trigger feel good chemicals
in the brain known as endorphins.
Aim to work out at least three times a week, choosing
activities that leave you slightly out of breath. Include
things you enjoy, such as dancing or swimming.
Why don’t you and your partner find an exercise you both
enjoy and find some time to do it together? You’ll both
benefit from it, and set up a healthy habit for the rest of
your lives together.
Make
time for each other.
Are you
and your fiancé arguing more than normal? This is the most
normal thing to happen, because you’re spending more time
on your wedding plans than your relationship. That’s why it
is so important to take time away from wedding planning and
spend time with each other. A romantic dinner, a bike ride,
a visit to the cinema - whatever you both like to do
together (just don’t discuss the wedding plans).
Make time for yourself
Some
time for rest and relaxation is vital to any stress
management programme. Every day, make sure you take time
out just to relax and unwind. Maybe you could try some yoga
and meditation, or a soak in a hot bubble bath.
Why not book yourself in for a massage?
Better still, in the weeks before your ceremony, plan a
weekend away with mates to pamper and unwind.
© Susan Preston 2007
Contact
Sue Preston on:
Tel: (01639) 638033
Email: info@sueprestonhypnotherapy.co.uk
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