I simply can’t offer you nutrition and wellness help, especially as brides-to-be, without talking about stress.

Earlier today, I was reflecting on how it felt to be planning my wedding. I remember feeling a blend of excited, inspired, overwhelmed, and stressed. I wanted everything to be perfect, I wanted to get it right, I wanted to succeed in making this the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE.

I remember there were times that I got so caught up in the little details and worries that I forgot to stay present and enjoy the process. Sound familiar?

I want to remind you that this time only happens once, it flies by in an instant, and I promise you… you will miss it when it’s over.

So - here are my tips for how to return to the present moment and reduce stress:

1. Alternate nostril breathing.

This feels weird, but it really does work at relieving stress and anxiety. Sit down (somewhere quiet if you can… and if not, just do it wherever you are. Who cares if you look a little weird?) and take a deep breath to get centered. Take your right hand and cover your right nostril with your thumb, breathing in through your left nostril for a count of 4. Pause and hold the breath. Then, cover your left nostril with your ring finger, and breathe out through your right nostril for a count of 4. Now keep your left nostril covered and breathe in through your right nostril for a count of 4. Pause and hold the breath. Then, cover your right nostril with your thumb, and breathe out through your left nostril for a count of 4. Repeat for a few cycles and let the magic happen!

2. Get off your phone.

This one was big for me when I got caught up in all the stress of wedding planning. Try turning it off, or at least putting it in another room where you can’t mindlessly grab for it every other minute (no judgement whatsoever, I’m guilty of this too.) But the comparison here is not going to help you… scrolling Instagram and Pinterest and seeing a million other wedding venues, dresses, table settings, floral arrangements, etc, is only creating unnecessary stress, pressure, and self doubt. You do you, girl. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing - your wedding should be a reflection of YOU.

3. At home yoga.

Or in studio yoga… whatever feels good to you. I do at home yoga because it allows me to totally let go without being self conscious, but if that’s not a concern for you, power to ya! In any case, this is so helpful for getting out of your head and into your body. Give yourself some relief from the constant chatter going on in your mind, get grounded, do some conscious breathing… and voila.

4. Write it out.

Kind of like how yoga gets you out of your head and into your body, putting your thoughts/stressors down on paper gets them out of your brain and makes space for more clarity and perspective. Try these journal prompts: “I’m so excited to be marrying (x) because _____” and “I can’t wait for my wedding because ______.” You can also write down and acknowledge all that you’ve already checked off your list for proof that it can, and does, all get done.

5. Cook a new [healthy] recipe.

If possible, do it with your fiancé! It’s nice to do something together that’s new, fun, and has nothing to do with wedding planning. Remember that planning your wedding is a big part of your life, but not your whole life. Cooking is a great way to relax, use your hands, get away from your screens… and, of course, nourish yourself. By the way, did you know that you need to be in a parasympathetic (or unstressed) state in order to properly digest your food? And that proper digestion + absorption of your food can actually help relieve stress? Check out my free 5 day meal plan if you need some inspiration!

Remember that taking care of ourselves is about so much more than crushing it at the gym or “being good” about what we eat. It’s about taking the time to slow down and tune in, to notice how we’re really feeling, to listen to what our bodies are asking for, and to give ourselves what we truly need.

Ready to become the glowing bride you DESERVE to be? Then I’m ready to guide you there. Take a look at the different ways we can work together here!

Curious to learn more & see if bridal nutrition is right for you? Schedule a FREE clarity call and let’s chat about it!