I made a full video guide for more depth and breakdown, but if you'd prefer to read, you can check out the blog post below. This isn't your basic "Top 10 wedding planning Tips" kind of blog. This is honestly a combination of easily some of the most important things I've added (Or removed) from my life that have made everything so much more enjoyable.
Let's Be Honest
Wedding planning is often seen as a stressful event, and it's no wonder why. From renting a venue to hiring vendors and organizing all the guests, there are countless tasks to handle. The overwhelming nature of wedding planning can cause a great deal of stress for anyone, especially if they have never experienced such a large-scale event before. Which lets be honest, most people haven't.
However, it is important to understand that stress is a normal part of the process. Rather than trying to avoid it, it is essential to learn how to manage stress effectively. This not only applies to wedding planning but to all other areas of life as well.
As someone who has experienced stress firsthand, I can attest to its impact on emotional and physical health. When I started my own videography/photography business at a young age, I quickly learned how stress can lead to burnout and negatively affect both my personal and professional life. It took time, but I eventually discovered strategies to manage stress and make life more enjoyable.
Stress can have a significant impact on both our emotional and physical well-being. Emotionally, stress can lead to mood swings, instability, and anxiety. These effects are particularly concerning during the wedding planning process, as they can strain relationships and hinder overall enjoyment.
Personally, I have struggled with racing thoughts caused by stress. These thoughts often keep me up at night and prevent me from fully relaxing. Stress can also contribute to mental health issues like depression, creating a constant state of unease and worry.
Furthermore, stress can manifest physically, causing joint pain, stomach issues, and other health problems. Our bodies have a remarkable ability to react based on how we feel. When we are stressed, our bodies enter a fight or flight mode, making it difficult to relax. In the long term, stress can even accelerate aging and increase the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Stress can also lead to negative habits and behaviors. Many people turn to overeating or procrastination as coping mechanisms, creating a vicious cycle of stress and unhealthy habits. Vices like smoking may also become more difficult to quit when under stress.
It is crucial to recognize that a high level of stress is not sustainable or healthy. You deserve to live a life without constant stress, and fortunately, there are strategies to achieve this. By implementing stress reduction techniques and adopting healthy habits, you can manage stress effectively and improve your overall well-being.
Reducing Stress through Organization and Delegation
One of the key aspects of stress reduction is organizing tasks. By creating a clear plan and checklist of all the things that need to be done, you can gain a sense of control and tackle each task one step at a time. The easiest way to make wedding planning less stressful is to hire a planner. Simply put, hiring a planner is basically paying for someone to help manage the stress and allow you to focus on being creative and picking the things you want. If you decide not to get a planner, here's some more tips below.
Writing everything down can help you visualize the tasks at hand and ensure that nothing gets overlooked. It may seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks will make the process feel less overwhelming.
I went ahead and created a full wedding planning checklist for you so you can start to visualize all the pieces. Use this as a template to start and obviously add anything extra that you need specifically for your wedding! Click here to access that.
Involving your partner in the planning process is also crucial to reducing stress. Remember, your wedding is a celebration of both of you, and it's important to make decisions together. By delegating responsibilities to your partner, you can share the workload and decision-making process. This not only lightens your own load but also strengthens your bond as a couple.
Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to your family and friends as well. Many people close to you will be more than willing to help. Whether it's asking a sibling to research vendors or assigning a friend to handle the seating arrangements, involving others can alleviate some of the stress and give you more time to focus on other aspects of wedding planning.
Remember, it's important to let go of the idea of perfection and embrace the support of your loved ones. Not every detail has to be planned by you alone. By delegating responsibilities, you can ensure that everything gets done without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Trust in the abilities of your family and friends, and remember that their help and support can make the wedding planning process more enjoyable for everyone involved. You can even have them bring you options and then you can choose from there, that way you still get your say but you can save a lot of extra time.
The Pillars of Stress Reduction: Sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in reducing stress levels. The impact of sleep on stress cannot be understated, as it affects both our emotional and physical well-being. When we are well-rested, we are better equipped to handle the challenges and demands of wedding planning. Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to sleep and stress reduction:
The Role of Light in Regulating Sleep
Light plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Exposure to sunlight in the morning helps set our cortisol levels, making us alert and awake. On the other hand, exposure to bright or blue light in the evening can disrupt melatonin production, making it difficult to fall asleep. To improve sleep quality, aim to get sunlight in the morning and reduce exposure to bright lights in the evening. This can be achieved by going outside for a few minutes in the morning and dimming the lights or using warm-toned lighting at night. (Candles work great btw)
Tips for Improving Sleep Quality
There are several strategies you can implement to improve sleep quality:
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Establish a regular bedtime routine that promotes relaxation, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing deep breathing exercises.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Ensure that your bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine to create an optimal sleep environment.
Avoid stimulating activities before bed: Limit exposure to screens (such as phones, TVs, and computers) at least an hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep. Engage in calming activities instead, such as reading or listening to soothing music.
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body's internal clock and improves sleep quality.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening, as it can interfere with sleep. Similarly, avoid consuming alcohol close to bedtime, as it can disrupt sleep patterns.
Recommended Supplements for Better Sleep
In addition to implementing healthy sleep habits, certain supplements can also support better sleep. Here are a few natural supplements that I personally use to improve sleep quality:
Magnesium (L-Threonate): Magnesium helps relax the body and muscles, promoting a sense of calmness. It can be taken in supplement form, such as magnesium L-threonate or magnesium citrate. But L-threonate is much better absorbed and doesn't cause the laxative effects that citrate can.
L-theanine: L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness and can be taken in supplement form. This can make you dream a lot more which could be negative or positive depending on you.
Tart cherry extract: Tart cherry extract contains natural melatonin precursors, which can help regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is available as a supplement or in the form of tart cherry juice or extract Links to these supplements
Prioritizing quality sleep is an essential component of stress reduction during wedding planning. By implementing these strategies and adopting healthy sleep habits, you can improve your overall well-being and effectively manage stress. This is easily the most useful thing you can do for yourself.
The Pillars of Stress Reduction: Meditation and Breathing
I know that these things might have a bit of a negative connotation depending on who you talk to. Or they might just seem kind of woo woo. I thought the same thing at first when I was recommended them. But honestly they've become such a powerful tool for me and with all the stimulation we have from social media and everything in the world these days, they're essential.
Understanding the Practice of Meditation
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention and eliminating the stream of thoughts that may be causing stress. Contrary to popular belief, meditation is not about clearing your mind completely, but rather about observing your thoughts without judgment and gently bringing your attention back to the present moment over and over again. The practice isn't to not think, but to practice bringing your attention back to your breath and being aware that you're getting lost in thought.
If you're new to meditation, guided meditation can be a helpful starting point. I Personally like to meditate before I got to sleep as it really helps me to slow my mind down. I notice a huge difference in my sleep when I meditate. Here's a free playlist that I've been using daily for a couple years
Benefits of Focused Breathing
Focused breathing is another powerful technique for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By consciously paying attention to your breath, you can activate your body's relaxation response and calm your mind.
Focused breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to expand, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This type of breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress response and promotes a state of calmness. I'd recommend using this alongside meditation to really get the full benefits, but also, throughout the day. If you're feeling stressed, a few deep breaths go a long way.
The Pillars of Stress Reduction: Exercise
Again, I know what you're thinking. All this advice seems really simple, but that's because it is. Taking care of yourself is one of the easiest ways to lower your stress. Exercise has been proven to reduce stress levels by increasing the production of endorphins, which are known as "feel-good" hormones. These hormones help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of relaxation. Engaging in physical activity can provide a much-needed break from wedding planning and help clear your mind. You don't have to do all of this, these are just a few recommendations. I would highly recommend just starting with a daily walk.
The Benefits of Daily Walks
Going for a daily walk is a simple yet effective way to incorporate exercise into your routine. Walking not only helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, but it also allows you to spend quality time with your partner. Use this time to discuss wedding planning or simply enjoy each other's company. Walking outdoors can also provide a refreshing change of scenery and help reduce stress.
Considerations for Weight Training
If you have the time and the want, weight training can be an excellent addition to your exercise routine. Weight training not only helps build strength and endurance, but it also has numerous mental health benefits. This is something that for me, has been such a staple for my life. But getting into it was extremely hard. I'm not joking when I say, I used to go to the gym at 3am so that way no one else would be there. So I get it if you're intimidated to start, because I definitely was. But the benefit I've gained has made every late night worth it. (Obviously I go to the gym at more reasonable hours now.)
The Impact of Exercise on Sleep
Regular exercise can significantly improve sleep quality, which is essential for stress reduction. Physical activity helps regulate the body's internal clock and promotes a more restful sleep. However, it's important to time your workouts appropriately. Avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as the increase in heart rate and body temperature may make it harder to fall asleep. Aim to finish your workout at least two to three hours before bedtime.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is a powerful strategy for managing stress during wedding planning. Whether it's going for a walk, hitting the gym, or trying a new workout class, find an activity that you enjoy and make it a priority. Consistency is key, so you don't need to workout for hours per day for it to be worth it. Being busy isn't a good reason to neglect your health.
The Pillars of Stress Reduction: Diet
Research has shown that certain foods can either increase or decrease stress levels. Consuming high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods can contribute to higher stress levels, while a diet rich in whole foods can help reduce stress. This is because certain nutrients found in whole foods, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, support the body's natural stress response and promote a sense of calmness.
The Importance of Whole Foods
Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, should form the foundation of your diet. These foods are packed with essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being. They provide a steady source of energy, help regulate blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling satisfied and balanced throughout the day.
Minimizing Prepackaged Food Consumption
Prepackaged foods, on the other hand, are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. These foods not only lack essential nutrients, but they can also contribute to inflammation in the body, which is associated with increased stress levels. By minimizing prepackaged food consumption, you can reduce your intake of these stress-inducing ingredients and improve your overall health.
I'm not telling you to eat like a body builder and never enjoy anything. But if you can make the majority of your diet whole foods, you're going to feel amazing, and look extra good for your wedding which also doesn't hurt.
Conclusion
I know this probably wasn't what you expected to hear from a wedding videographer. This isn't basic wedding planning advice. But these are things that I'm very passionate about because they've quite literally turned my life upside down, making me much happier and much healthier and truthfully led to me being able to create lots of awesome experiences for our couples.
Remember, stress is a normal part of the wedding planning process, but it doesn't have to take a toll on your well-being. By implementing just a few of these things and prioritizing stress management, you can navigate the wedding planning journey with greater ease and create a happier and healthier start to your marriage. I hope this was valuable for you! If you're interested in chatting with me more about your day and crafting a wedding film that gives you the ability to re-live your day over and over in a natural, timeless style, go ahead and click the button below to inquire with us!