Make sure you’re getting enough sleep!
It’s so easy to stay up late working on things (and then have to get up early for work!), or maybe you’re so stressed you just can’t sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try treating yourself to a relaxing night for yourself: take a long hot bath, give yourself a facial mask, and then go to bed.
Drink enough water.
Fact: drinking water can result in a 14% increase in productivity.
There’s a noticeable difference when you’re hydrated. You think clearer, you’re more energized, and you’re in a better mood. It’s well worth it to get in those eight glasses of water a day.
Eat 3 meals a day!
I get it, I honestly do. You get so busy with planning and life that even eating can become a chore. Buy some granola bars to keep in your purse, and try prepping food one night of the week so you can have leftovers for meals. You won’t have to spend the extra time prepping food every day and it will help with your hangry levels.
Exercise is also a huge stress-reliever.
Even if you simply go on a walk; as long as you’re doing some kind of physical activity each day, you’ll think a little clearer and feel a whole lot better.
Go on a date.
You heard me – get your cute little butt’s out of the house and get some ice cream. Talk about things other than wedding planning. It might be a little difficult to go the entire conversation without something wedding-related coming up, but just do your best. You’ve got this.
It’s incredibly healthy to continue making time for yourselves during this transition together. So, keep going to movies and hanging out with your friends at the beach on weekends.
Those are times to be valued, and they’ll definitely help with eliminating stress as you plan your wedding.
Write it out!
Journaling has been proven to be therapeutic. Whether you create a word doc or use pen & paper, just lay it all out. Be honest & raw. Don’t try to beat around the bush. This is just you & your thoughts, no one else. You’ll make some new discoveries while you break down your thought processes, and those will reduce your stress levels considerably
May the games begin!
Have a pillow fight or play with Nerf guns around the house. The catch? You can’t play until you’ve completed X, Y, and Z on your task list.
Assign tasks to friends & family to lighten your load.
They don’t have to be big things; they can be small! Tasks like: someone to pick up your wedding cake if it’s not being delivered, a friend who likes design can create your programs, or someone can pick up specified decorations from the store for you. Every little bit helps.
Try to space appointments out, if possible.
True story, we had every single weekend booked with something, leading up to our wedding day. It. Was. Exhausting. Try not to do that.
Focus on the positives.
If you find yourself going down a dark hole of negativity, grab a pen & paper and begin listing the things you’re thankful for. It’s a good way to turn your mood around and a good reminder that there are more important things in life than that one thing that’s getting to you right now.
Eat some dark chocolate.
I’m serious! Dark chocolate is proven to be a mood-booster and it’s good for your health. It contains the same chemical that your brain creates when you experience falling in love. It literally encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins. Who knew eliminating stress as you plan your wedding could include something so sweet? Now, go have some dark chocolate!
Cuddle!
Another proven way to reduce stress and an action that releases feel-good hormones. It even helps you sleep better. Cuddle away, lovers!
Talk to God about it.
I’m a pretty big advocate for trusting God in all things, and that most definitely includes wedding planning. I’ve been there and I know first-hand how big that rollercoaster can be. One day you’re on cloud nine and ridiculously excited about the big steps you’re taking together, and that same night you’re in tears because someone was disappointed in your decisions. God can take care of all of it, I promise. He’ll soothe your worried mind and bring you peace – in your soul, relationships, decision-making, and everything in-between. Just knowing He’s cheering for you, that He’s ready to step in at a moment’s notice, and that He always has your back is reassuring. Talking to Him is the absolute best way for eliminating stress as you plan your wedding. Hands down.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I may not know you personally (yet!), but what I do know is that you’re embarking on one of life’s greatest adventures with your best friend, and that is some kind of awesome. Whatever life throws you during this time, just remember that you’ve got each other and that’s all that matters. And, if you ever need to talk about what’s stressing you, my inbox is open anytime.
Joelle Elizabeth Photography
Joelle
Joelle is a wedding photographer from Chicago; she loves romance, a good cup of coffee, God-dates, and watching the sun set with people who mean the most.
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