Give yourself a relaxing, rejuvenating gift
Your wedding should be one of the happiest days of your life. Unfortunately, the weeks and months leading up to the big day can instead be some of the most stressful - there are endless details to take care of, friends, relatives and vendors to deal with, and, of course, the perfect dress to find.
Taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, is key. Here are five tips to help you make it to the big day healthy and happy.
In stressful situations, avoid extremes. Never binge or stop eating altogether. Consider several small meals throughout the day and some snacks.
Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, egg whites, dairy products, beans and rice. Eat complex carbohydrates, which include whole-wheat bread, wild rice, whole-wheat pasta, multigrain cereal and potatoes. You should also aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day (keep in mind that they make great snacks). And you may want to consider trying high quality, proven nutritional supplements to make sure your body has the fuel it needs.
At your wedding, all eyes are on you, so of course you want to look your best. The stress-busting endorphins generated by vigorous physical activity are a great side benefit as your wedding draws near and last-minute details start to pile up. Relieve stress through exercise and go for walks or take an aerobics class.
Life Time Fitness trainers recommend that people who are serious about shedding pounds and keeping them off participate in aerobic training exercise regimens a minimum of three times per week for at least 30 minutes at a time. Aerobic exercises include walking, biking, jogging, swimming, aerobic classes and dancing. You should also include resistance-training exercises, such as weight lifting, at least twice a week for a minimum of 30 minutes per session.
Sure, you have a million and one things to get done, but you need to take time to relax. Consider a massage as the perfect antidote to wedding stress. Select a full body massage, or one that targets a specific area, such as your back or feet. Aromatherapy can be incorporated to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. If you're unsure which massage is right for you, consult a massage therapist.
You'll be better able to deal with any wedding complications if you aren't sleep-deprived. The amount of sleep you need varies from person to person, but make sure you're getting enough to function at full capacity during the day. Make an effort to incorporate physical activity into your day to promote a good night's sleep.
It is inevitable that you'll encounter some bumps along the road to your wedding day. The important thing is how you react to them - you can let them ruin your day, or you can take them in stride and move on. A sense of humor may be your most important tool as you plan your wedding.
