Hope’s 10 Tips for a Zen Wedding
As a Zen Wedding professional, I am constantly asked about things to do to keep the stress low during the engagement period. Here's a list to get you going!
1. Breathe
Yes, yes, I know we do this automatically. But when tension and anxiety hit our brain takes over and things get a little funky. You may need to step in and override the system with regular reminders. Or scribble a note on your bathroom mirror in marker. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, close your eyes, put your hands on your belly and take 5 full, deep breaths
2. Get Physical
When planning a wedding and your future, there’s lots of sitting and talking. Get your adrenaline flowing by moving your body! If you are a runner, run! If you love swimming, do that. It’s also a great time to start an activity – yoga, walking, martial arts, biking. And don’t forget the fun ones – dancing and sex. Nothing like getting sweaty and out of breath to take your mind off difficult stuff.
3. Prioritize
My guess is that you have a to-do list a mile long, and just when you tick one thing off, another three tasks appear. As you prepare for your wedding and life together, look at the list regularly and make sure the more important things are at the top. As your date nears, you may find you are able to release some of the items at the bottom.
4. Delegate
And of course, if you don’t want to let some of the items go, assign them to a close friend or family member. There will be a good number of people who want to help out. Trust their desire and pass it off. You don’t have to do everything yourself.
5. Practice Healthy Habits
I’m sure there are tons of options here, but I am going for the two biggies – eat well and get plenty of sleep. You want to fit into your fancy duds, so be mindful about what you put in your mouth. Light on the fat and sugar, heavy on the veggies and fruits. And secondly, get your rest. That may be 5 hours or it may be 9. You know what you need, so build it into your schedule.
6. Keep Courting
Just because you’re engaged, doesn’t mean you're done dating. Keep the romance up and do all of the things that your partner loves and show that you care. Write love notes, go on regular dates, make romantic dinners at home, and send sexy texts!
7. Don’t Procrastinate
There are lots of choices as you plan your wedding and your future. Weigh your options, make a pros and cons list, go with your gut and make a decision. Putting it off will just cause stress later. So do it now.
8. Gather with the Girls/Guys
Chances are you have not seen your close friends as often as you like. So schedule fun time. Share secrets, laugh, reminisce, be gracious and most importantly, celebrate!
9. Make Plans for after the Wedding or Honeymoon
The wedding is such a momentous event that there’s a huge lull the day after the festivities or the day you come home from your honeymoon. Plan some fun things in the weeks and months afterwards, so you have something to look forward to.
10. Be Prepared for the Future
While you plan your wedding, make sure you also plan for your marriage. It’s always a good idea to make sure your expectations of the relationship match your partners. Have you considered pre-marital counseling? Are there any questions you’ve yet to ask? Is there anything you’ve yet to share?