When it comes to staying healthy in the months before your wedding, it can prove to be a challenge. Even though there are many things you’ve planned beforehand, from perfecting your budget to knowing what kind of decorative theme you want to, any small change can have a huge effect on your healthy lifestyle. That’s why it’s so hard for so many couples to stay healthy in the months leading up their weddings. With so much to worry about and so many responsibilities to juggle, it’s easy to sacrifice your own health. For some people, this means sacrificing their emotional well being; for others, it means giving up the time they usually use to go to the gym on something more wedding-oriented.
But the last thing you want to do during such a busy time is to lose track of treating your body and mind with the utmost respect. You need to stay healthy, not only because you want to look good in your wedding dress or suit, but also because you want to start off this new stage of your life right. And here’s how.
Understand what your stressors are–and what they do
Before planning out an exercise regimen, or committing to relaxing once a week, it’s smart to understand what’s stressing you out in the first place. Considering that eight in ten Americans are afflicted by stress, it’s likely that you’re one of them–and stress can wreak havoc on us in many ways, from making us feel alienated from others to overeating and drinking too much. You need to know what’s stressing you out, whether that’s your wedding budget or keeping relations civil with your in-laws. Once you know what they are, it’s time to figure out how they’re negatively impacting your life.
If you feel like you don’t have control over how your stressors influence you, it’s a good idea to discuss these problems with your partner or a friend. They can help you come up with strategies, and work alongside you on facing these problems. Often, not feeling alone anymore gives us a sense of control we didn’t have anymore. However, sometimes you need to take it a step further.
Talk to a professional
If you’re feeling especially stressed or down, and you’re prone to depression or anxiety, it’s smart to speak with a therapist. It may not seem like you have time right now, but there are always time-saving options like online therapists. Let’s say, for example, that you feel bad about your weight. A therapist will tell you that you’re internalizing impossible societal standards for beauty–and you might discover that it might have something to do with a comment your mother made while trying on wedding dresses. Once you’ve spent enough time talking to your therapist about these issues you’ve internalized, you’ll feel confident in yourself again. There’s a reason why there are wedding dress collections for plus size brides, and it’s because beauty comes in every size.
Additionally, a professional can help you with more physical health issues. Many of us drink too much, for example–and when we’re more stressed before a wedding, it’s easier to fall into those kinds of coping mechanisms. Joining AA and making yourself accountable with a partner is a great idea, but if you need professional help, it’s time to reach out for it. Your married life depends on it. You don’t want to start your new life with a psychological or health problem that can be improved with therapy.
In 2016, nearly six in ten American adults with a mental health issue in the US received no treatment. You don’t want to be part of a statistic like that–it just isn’t worth it.
Make a plan–and hold yourself accountable
Finally, the only way you’re going to stick to your health plans is by creating a plan. Create goals for each month, and schedule the time to do what you’ve committed to in your calendar. Whether it’s giving yourself more relaxation time at the spa or going for a run every day, making a plan is the key to doing what you need to for your health.
Holding yourself accountable is also key. Whether that means going for runs with your bridesmaids, or keeping track of how many times you cook at home a week with a healthy eating app, it’s how you’ll stay committed to your goals. Considering that the average wedding budget in the US is $20,000, you’re bound to be stressed about something during this busy time–so holding yourself accountable is the only way to stay healthy over a long period of time!
By using these strategies, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle during the months before your wedding. What other strategies would work?