Getting married should be fun.
After all, you've found the person of your dreams, you're in love... they put a ring on it. Smooth sailing, right? Unfortunately for many brides, not so. Why? STRESS!
And a lot of times that stress is self-imposed! Instead of carving out time to take care of themselves during their wedding planning and preparation, they get bogged down in their seemingly endless list of HAVE-TOs. Then on top of that, as they begin to feel more and more pressure they become irritable, cranky and even physically ill when they should be having the time of their lives. #Bridezilla, anyone?
But, this doesn't have to be you, girl! YOU can be different.
Always keep it in mind that you ARE in charge of your wedding and your schedule, not the other way around. At its basic level, this wedding is about you and the Love of Your Life. Besides that all you truly need is the minister (officiant) and a witness. So BREATHE.
Leave yourself room (and permission) to take some time to care for yourself as you're scurrying around taking care of the details. Get your hair cut, get your nails done, sit and read magazines... laugh. Do whatever makes you feel good, relaxed and having fun. A really terrific tip is to go to the spa regularly throughout the planning process, if that's in your budget. If not, no worries, lovely! You can create a great relaxing feel-good experience right in your own home! #ahhhh
And a lot of times that stress is self-imposed! Instead of carving out time to take care of themselves during their wedding planning and preparation, they get bogged down in their seemingly endless list of HAVE-TOs. Then on top of that, as they begin to feel more and more pressure they become irritable, cranky and even physically ill when they should be having the time of their lives. #Bridezilla, anyone?
1. Make it as luxurious and relaxing as possible.
We're going for "zen" here, right? So keep your zen going throughout your home spa day by wrapping yourself in a little luxe. Scrawny towels and a raggedy robe don't feel luxe. Set yourself up right! If you can, use plush towels, an oversized comfy robe and super soft slippers.
Even if you can't budget for new, do use the best that you have or look for inexpensive finds. The Dollar Store can be a great place to pick up little things like super soft socks, little hand towels and containers for your cotton balls, Q-Tips and such. They also have inexpensive mani-pedi tools, little headbands to keep your hair away from your face and such. Regardless of how you do it or your budget, focus on creating an environment that makes you feel pampered and cared for.
2. Light some candles.
Most bathrooms don't have lighting that speaks to relaxation. So, turn those lights off and use candles instead. Just be sure to put them in places where they're safe so you don't create a fire hazard. Firemen can be cute, but not when they're putting out the fire at YOUR house.
3. Silence the phone.
I know this can be hard. REALLY hard... but you can do it! Put the "tracking device" on silent. The world will not stop turning in the time it takes for your to defrag.
4. Play relaxing music.
Whether you want to zen out with Asian-style flutes or groove to soulful sax tones, put on tunes that help to calm the savage bridezilla within. Not too loud, though. When in doubt, silence is golden.
5. Sip herbal tea or infused water.
Nothing says "spa" like tiny little cups of herbal tea or cucumber-infused water. Yum! You can also nosh on light healthy snacks like a small cheese and fruit platter, a veggie tray or a small bowl of nuts.
6. Use aromatherapy products or add essential oils to your fragrance-free products.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy describes aromatherapy as "the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit". Basically, it's using plant "smell-good" to help you feel good. Popular options include bergamot, peppermint, lavender and lemongrass. Look for organic, all-natural options whenever possible. Remember to test a little of any new product on someplace inconspicuous like the inside of your wrist to test for allergies before using it on your whole body.
7. Take a calming bath.
Baths. Are. Bomb. When done right, that is. When running your water, check it against the inside of your wrist to make sure the temperature is not too hot. Add bath salts or Epsom salt with a few drops (up to 10) of bergamot or some other scent you love when the tub is about half full. Use a bath pillow or rolled up towel to cradle your head while you soak. Leave a cool bowl of water within reach so that you can place it on your forehead or on the nape of your neck. When you're ready, use a sponge or body scrub to gently buff away dry skin. After you're all done, rinse yourself with a cool shower.
8. Give yourself a mani-pedi.
Nothing says spa quite like getting your nails "did"... Grab everything you need and put it all in a handy place before you start so you can just sit and chill when you're done. That way you'll lessen the chance of ruining your work... or your state of relax.
If you haven't just stepped out of the bath from the previous tip, start with your feet first by giving them a soak. Then use a pumice stone to remove rough places and a cuticle stick and nail clippers to tend to those tootsies. Take a little time to massage your feet and calves, then separate our toes with tissue or one of those fancy toe separators and apply your color.
Next, do your hands. Go through the same steps of soaking and such then apply your color. You'll be really glad that you have everything at hand when you're done so sit, drink a little bubbly mineral water and flip through a magazine or put cucumber over your eyes and sit back while your nails dry.
9. Steam your face.
First, cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Use your favorite natural products or try a mixture of baking soda and water. Next, add your favorite essential oil like grapefruit, tea tree oil or eucalyptus to a bowl of freshly boiled water. Cover your head with a towel and place your face 5-10 inches from the water. Do this for about 2 minutes up to five times.
Allow yourself a break in between steam times. You can follow this up with a face mask then finish with a little toner and moisturizer. Now listen. BE CAREFUL! Do not put your face too close to the water! Getting burned is not relaxing. Common sense, please. :)
10. Create a mask for your hair.
Put on your favorite deep hair conditioner or hot oil treatment. You can make your own with a bit of honey and coconut oil. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and then a warm towel so that it can deep condition. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. This is great to do while you're steaming your face!
1. Make it as luxurious and relaxing as possible.
We're going for "zen" here, right? So keep your zen going throughout your home spa day by wrapping yourself in a little luxe. Scrawny towels and a raggedy robe don't feel luxe. Set yourself up right! If you can, use plush towels, an oversized comfy robe and super soft slippers.
Even if you can't budget for new, do use the best that you have or look for inexpensive finds. The Dollar Store can be a great place to pick up little things like super soft socks, little hand towels and containers for your cotton balls, Q-Tips and such. They also have inexpensive mani-pedi tools, little headbands to keep your hair away from your face and such. Regardless of how you do it or your budget, focus on creating an environment that makes you feel pampered and cared for.
Even if you can't budget for new, do use the best that you have or look for inexpensive finds. The Dollar Store can be a great place to pick up little things like super soft socks, little hand towels and containers for your cotton balls, Q-Tips and such. They also have inexpensive mani-pedi tools, little headbands to keep your hair away from your face and such. Regardless of how you do it or your budget, focus on creating an environment that makes you feel pampered and cared for.
2. Light some candles.
Most bathrooms don't have lighting that speaks to relaxation. So, turn those lights off and use candles instead. Just be sure to put them in places where they're safe so you don't create a fire hazard. Firemen can be cute, but not when they're putting out the fire at YOUR house.
3. Silence the phone.
I know this can be hard. REALLY hard... but you can do it! Put the "tracking device" on silent. The world will not stop turning in the time it takes for your to defrag.
4. Play relaxing music.
Whether you want to zen out with Asian-style flutes or groove to soulful sax tones, put on tunes that help to calm the savage bridezilla within. Not too loud, though. When in doubt, silence is golden.
5. Sip herbal tea or infused water.
Nothing says "spa" like tiny little cups of herbal tea or cucumber-infused water. Yum! You can also nosh on light healthy snacks like a small cheese and fruit platter, a veggie tray or a small bowl of nuts.
6. Use aromatherapy products or add essential oils to your fragrance-free products.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy describes aromatherapy as "the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit". Basically, it's using plant "smell-good" to help you feel good. Popular options include bergamot, peppermint, lavender and lemongrass. Look for organic, all-natural options whenever possible. Remember to test a little of any new product on someplace inconspicuous like the inside of your wrist to test for allergies before using it on your whole body.
7. Take a calming bath.
Baths. Are. Bomb. When done right, that is. When running your water, check it against the inside of your wrist to make sure the temperature is not too hot. Add bath salts or Epsom salt with a few drops (up to 10) of bergamot or some other scent you love when the tub is about half full. Use a bath pillow or rolled up towel to cradle your head while you soak. Leave a cool bowl of water within reach so that you can place it on your forehead or on the nape of your neck. When you're ready, use a sponge or body scrub to gently buff away dry skin. After you're all done, rinse yourself with a cool shower.
8. Give yourself a mani-pedi.
Nothing says spa quite like getting your nails "did"... Grab everything you need and put it all in a handy place before you start so you can just sit and chill when you're done. That way you'll lessen the chance of ruining your work... or your state of relax.
If you haven't just stepped out of the bath from the previous tip, start with your feet first by giving them a soak. Then use a pumice stone to remove rough places and a cuticle stick and nail clippers to tend to those tootsies. Take a little time to massage your feet and calves, then separate our toes with tissue or one of those fancy toe separators and apply your color.
Next, do your hands. Go through the same steps of soaking and such then apply your color. You'll be really glad that you have everything at hand when you're done so sit, drink a little bubbly mineral water and flip through a magazine or put cucumber over your eyes and sit back while your nails dry.
If you haven't just stepped out of the bath from the previous tip, start with your feet first by giving them a soak. Then use a pumice stone to remove rough places and a cuticle stick and nail clippers to tend to those tootsies. Take a little time to massage your feet and calves, then separate our toes with tissue or one of those fancy toe separators and apply your color.
Next, do your hands. Go through the same steps of soaking and such then apply your color. You'll be really glad that you have everything at hand when you're done so sit, drink a little bubbly mineral water and flip through a magazine or put cucumber over your eyes and sit back while your nails dry.
9. Steam your face.
First, cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Use your favorite natural products or try a mixture of baking soda and water. Next, add your favorite essential oil like grapefruit, tea tree oil or eucalyptus to a bowl of freshly boiled water. Cover your head with a towel and place your face 5-10 inches from the water. Do this for about 2 minutes up to five times.
Allow yourself a break in between steam times. You can follow this up with a face mask then finish with a little toner and moisturizer. Now listen. BE CAREFUL! Do not put your face too close to the water! Getting burned is not relaxing. Common sense, please. :)
Allow yourself a break in between steam times. You can follow this up with a face mask then finish with a little toner and moisturizer. Now listen. BE CAREFUL! Do not put your face too close to the water! Getting burned is not relaxing. Common sense, please. :)
10. Create a mask for your hair.
Put on your favorite deep hair conditioner or hot oil treatment. You can make your own with a bit of honey and coconut oil. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and then a warm towel so that it can deep condition. Leave it on for about 15-20 minutes. This is great to do while you're steaming your face!
Just remember to breathe, relax and have fun! Can't stress that enough (no pun intended).
If you need some help finding ways to create your Fit Bride lifestyle, and to take care of yourself while you take care of your wedding details, please let me know. I'm here to help! Contact me at tami (at) wildfirefitness (dot) com.
Take good care of yourself,
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1 comment:
Hey Seema! Glad you found this info helpful. Thanks for stopping by!
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