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Relax
This is first for a reason. Though you may feel there are a million and one things to do, this is supposed to be a happy and fun occasion. The last thing you need is to arrive at your wedding day feeling stressed and frazzled. Regularly create moments in your schedule to do things simply for the pleasure and release of your mind. Have a pedicure. Schedule a massage. Brew yourself a cup of herbal tea and read a book. Take a walk in the park. The important thing is to take some time for you. Don't forget to schedule together time for you and your beau as well.
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Aim for achievable goals
If your dream-wedding day includes you being great shape, for instance, just because you're engaged doesn't mean that you can magically transform a lifetime of potentially bad habits. It's going to take some work on your part, and requires creating new lifestyle habits in order to last beyond the day in question. Be firm with yourself, but also be patient. Consistency is the key, so make changes at a pace you're comfortable with so you don't feel overwhelmed and become discouraged.
Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine
These substances add empty calories to your diet, and can also damage your body and affect your mood. Alcohol, for instance, may seem to relax you in the short term, but in the long run it can destroy the liver and kidneys, increase the risk of ulcers, irritate the pancreas and weaken muscles. It can also lead to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors that includes high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), impaired fasting glucose and excess abdominal fat. Whew! Caffeine, found in foods such as coffee and chocolate, stimulates the central nervous system, releases free fatty acids from adipose (fatty) tissue and affects the kidneys, increasing urination, which can lead to dehydration. It also may increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
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Include a nap whenever possible
Now I know that you may say “yeah, right,” because you either feel you don’t have the time or that sleep is a waste of time, but naps can give you that quick energy boost you need to make it through long days. You’d be amazed how refreshed you feel after just ten minutes of downtime. Sleep is actually important to your good health and can actually help you better deal with any wedding complications by helping your mind fully rest. This can enable you to be more alert and focused when you're awake. Skimping will only leave you with reduced energy, greater difficulty concentrating, a diminished mood, and at greater risk for accidents.
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Moderation
Remember it's YOUR wedding. Hopefully you and your fiancé set a date that gave you plenty of time to create the wedding that will bring you both joy and happy memories. Pace yourself in everything you do. List everything you’ll need to get done and set timelines and dates. When you eat, don't eat too much. Schedule and space your errands so that you're not spending entire days on the go.
Posture
Mom was right when she told you not to slouch. Poor posture can lead to a stiff neck, hunched or rigid shoulders, restricted breathing, and tightness in the hips, legs and ankles. This can cause awkward and inefficient movement leading to backaches, headaches, and other painful symptoms - just what you don't need as a bride-to-be. Not only that, as a bride, good posture can add a feeling of confidence as you walk down the aisle; not to mention the fact that good posture can make you look more shapely and up to 10 pounds leaner! Yoga or pilates inspired exercises can be great for lengthening the spine and opening the rib cage.
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Live. Learn. Move. Thrive!
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