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will help to reduce anxiety and boost energy levels. The reduced pace of deep breathing triggers a response from your central nervous system that lowers your heart rate, relaxes your muscles and reduces blood pres- sure. A simple deep breathing tech- nique is to count to four as you breathe in and then count to four as you breathe out. This balances the length of your inhalations and exhalations. Aromatherapy oils can be added to your bath or a burner within your home to calm your mind and en- hance your mood. Laven- der, camomile and neroli essential oils are renowned for their re- laxing properties. G ET S OME E XERCISE : Aerobic activity relieves stress by releasing mood-en- hancing endorphins in to the brain. Walking, swimming and cycling are low impact options that will increase fitness, aid pre- wedding weight loss and boost your sense of wellbeing. Calming exercises, such as yoga and Pilates, will help to reduce your stress levels. They will also tone your body, ensuring that you are physically fit and healthy as your wedding ap- proaches. M AINTAIN Y OUR F RIENDSHIPS : In the midst of the stress and tension of wedding planning, be sure to make time to meet up with your friends. Plan a trip to the spa and combine relaxing treatments with girly chat. Schedule a catch-up over lunch or arrange to attend an exercise class together or hit the gym at the same time. If you are short of time to socialize, prioritize friends that make you laugh and who are supportive. Postpone catch-ups with competitive or critical ac- quaintances until after the wedding, as they will only add to your stress levels. E AT W ELL : Snacking on junk food or missing meals because you are trying to cram too much in to the day will have an impact on both your physical and mental health. You will feel tired and listless if your body does not receive vital nutrients. Select fresh fruit and vegeta- bles in preference to junk food. Bananas, fish, green leafy vegetables and oats are all natural stress relievers. Drink at least two litres of water per day. Along with boosting energy levels, maintaining optimal hydration will improve the con- dition of your skin in preparation for the wedding day photo- graphs. Cut down on unhealthy stimulants, such as caffeine and sugar. Although these may seem to give you a temporary boost, your en- ergy levels will crash as they move through your system, leaving you feeling tired and edgy. T ALK A BOUT S OMETHING E LSE : If you see people jumping behind pillars and executing u-turns to avoid getting caught up in conversation, it could be because you are becoming a wedding bore. Difficult as it may be to imagine, there is life beyond your wedding planning. If every conversation you have centers around the colors of your serviettes or brides- maids’ hairstyles, even your best friends may lose interest. If you are concerned that you may be a wedding bore, try to avoid talking about your wedding unless you are asked. P AMPER Y OURSELF : Treat yourself to some pre-wedding pampering to boost your mood and ensure that you will look your best on the big day. A soothing facial is a great investment of time. It has the dual benefit of promoting relaxation and preparing your skin ahead of your wedding day. If you have been nibbling on your nails, arrange a luxury manicure to hydrate your hands and strengthen your nails. Spa days can be the ideal thank you for mothers, sisters, friends and cousins who have helped plan and prepare for your wedding. D ON ’ T S TRIVE FOR P ERFECTION : In your mind, you may be able to picture every aspect of the perfect wedding. However, in the real world some compromises may be necessary. Be sure that your expectations of your wedding day are realistic. Setting unachievable goals will only increase your stress levels and lead to tension and disappointment. It can be easy to become mired in tiny details and forget the true purpose of the day, which is to unite two people who love each other. If the napkins are not the exact shade of cerise you had hoped for, don’t let it overshadow the rest of your wonderful wedding day. P LAN FOR Y OUR L IFE T OGETHER : Being a wife is not just about the one day on which you get married. Many brides feel a sense of let down after the buzz of wedding planning has gone. As part of your wedding plan- ning, give some thought to your life together with your new husband. n ..................................................................................................................................................................... Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter WEDDING ISSUE 2021 27