Plan your wedding – but don’t forget to take time out to relax!
In between phone calls to the catering company and figuring out where to seat weird Uncle George, you’ve got final dress fittings, reception insurance papers, bridesmaids’ gifts, and make-up practice runs. It’s no wonder you’re stressed! Don’t let the stress of planning your wedding get the upper hand or your body could pay the price. Learn how to take some time to relax (as much as possible) before your big day.
How Stress Affects the Body
Stress can cause irritability, anxiety and anger, as every bride knows. Stress can also cause muscle tension, headaches, backaches, jaw pain, stomach aches and heart burn, high blood pressure, rapid heart beat andd palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and chest pain.
Long-term, or “chronic” stress can contribute to heart problems. Stress elevates the heart rate and long term high heart rate and high blood pressure can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke, as well lead to stomach ulcers. Migraines and tension headaches from prolonged muscle tension can also be caused by chronic stress.
Ways to Reduce Stress
The closer the clock ticks to your wedding day, the more stress you’re going to feel. Brides need to be wary of letting their stress levels get too high. Here are some suggestions to help brides relax and regain some sanity:
- Delegate: Don’t take on too much all by yourself – that’s what bridesmaid are for
- Have a Spap Day: You could get a massage, pedicure or a facial. Or if money is an issue just banish everyone from your sight for a few hours and take abubble bath. You’re the bride, you can do what you want!
- Read a Book: Pick up your favorite (non-wedding related) book or magazine and crash in a corner chair for awhile.
- Go for a Walk: Have you forgotten what season is it? Whip out your tennis shoes and take a stroll around the neighborhood. That fresh air will do you good.
- Meditate: Many stress experts and counselors recommend some kind of meditation/prayer/deep breathing as a way of taking your mind off what is stressing you. Clear your head of all things wedding.
Here are some other suggestions for reducing stress and feeling better from The American Psychological Association:
- Count to 10 (0r 20!) – makes you stop and take your mind off what is stressing you out.
- Listen to soothing music
- Eat well-balanced meals
- Get enough sleep
- Talk to family or friends about what is bothering you
- Think positive – Don’t worry about things you can’t control!
Stress Can Affect Health Insurance
Though you may not believe it now, after your beautiful wedding is over life will return to normal. Eventually you’ll need to get back into the swing of regular life, and that includes applying for health insurance if you haven’t already. When applying for certain health plans you will have to give a health history, which could include high bloog pressure, heart attacks and strokes from stress. So release the stress from your life, as much as possible, now. Getting married is a stressful time, but it is how you manage this time that keeps your body from feeling the effects. Congrats, and remember to breathe!
Source: projectwedding.com
