
So, what do you do when wedding planning stress has become entirely too much for you? Do you plow forward knowing that you will feel much better on your wedding day? It's okay to admit it. So many of us do the same thing.
Take it from me -- It's okay to cry "uncle" too. It's not a sign of weakness -- It's simply your notification that you need help. Hey, even the hottest wedding planners in town have assistants, so why should you take on this major task alone?
Here are some recommendations for managing your wedding planning projects --
* First and foremost, prioritize. Create a list of the most important tasks and a list of "nice to have" tasks to help you focus on what is important. Do what you need to do first. Then (if you have the time available), you can take care of some of the tasks on your "nice to have" list.
* Ask for help. Divvy up some of the tasks and ask for help from your groom, your reliable family members, reliable friends and the reliable members of your bridal party. (notice I said the word, "reliable") Exploit some of their talents. If your future mother in law is a supreme gardener, ask her for help with selecting your wedding flowers.
* Outsource. Hire a wedding planner. If your budget doesn't allow you to hire a planner, consider hiring a planner for your most challenging (or most time-consuming) wedding project only. And, you cannot go wrong with hiring a professional day of coordinator.
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Here are some recommendations for reducing your stress and anxiety --
* Take all of your wedding projects and break them down into monthly tasks. Breaking up your tasks by month won't seem so overwhelming. And, it allows you to bulk up the tasks on your life's slower months and slim down your tasks during your life's busy months.
* Get outside. A few years ago, I was overwhelmed with stress. I felt like I was "drowning in drama." I decided to put on my sneakers and take a walk around my neighborhood (without my blackberry or my iPod). This 30 minutes of quiet time helped me to gain perspective. Now, I can't live without my 30-minute walk.
* Take a mental break. Remind yourself that there is life outside of weddings. Take a weekend away from family, friends and work, and don't utter the word, "wedding." Don't look at a wedding magazine. Don't watch a wedding show. And don't read any wedding blogs. (gasp!)
* Eat healthy. When I feel anxious or overwhelmed, I am famous for enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup, followed up by a box of ginger snaps and a root beer. Guess what? I feel better for about ten seconds. According to some studies, eating organic fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids help you to get clarity. And clarity is what you need when you feel anxious.
So, relax. Ask for help. And know that your loved ones will consider you wise for asking for help -- not for losing your mind over your wedding planning.
Love & Soul Always, Kay
(Photo: This is a photo I took from my back yard last summer. It was a rainbow after a wicked storm.)