Being in love and planning your wedding are exciting times, but along with all the arranging, scheduling, and organizing, there is a great deal of stress. If you don't take good care of yourself, that stress can wear away at your well-being. Here's how to ensure you're happy and healthy when the big day finally arrives.

Is Something Wrong with Me?

There is a misconception that could be worsening your stress. If you are like many brides, you might believe going into your wedding day should be a time of utter bliss, very moment filled with joy and happiness. After all, this is your big day with your soul mate, so there must be something wrong with you -- or the relationship -- if life isn't rainbows and sunshine right now.

In actuality, if you're feeling stressed, it's perfectly normal.

Getting married is a major life change, and some experts rank it near the top in lifetime stressors [3]. Since you have a lot to accomplish in a short time, some effective coping strategies will come in handy.

Boost Your Immunity

One of the best ways you can take care of yourself going into your wedding day is to be mindful of nutrition. Certain foods [4] can help boost your immune system, like blueberries [5], broccoli, and spinach [6], but when you're under major stress, it isn't always enough to be eating a healthy diet. With that in mind, plan on taking a high-quality multivitamin to ensure you're catching all the key nutrients your immune system needs.

Note not all supplements are worthwhile. A high-quality multivitamin will be comprised of bioavailable nutrition [7] so your system can metabolize what it needs to keep you strong and energized. As Business Insider explains, there is no regulation [8] on supplements at this time, so purchasing your multivitamin from a reputable company with quality ingredients is a must. That being said, a well-chosen multivitamin is a worthwhile addition as you head into the big event.

Diversionary Tactics

Are you doing anything in your day-to-day life that provides a mental escape from your wedding plans? Taking some "me time" out of your days to retreat from the guest list, chats with the caterer, and gown fittings can equate to a mini-vacation. With that in mind, Real Simple recommends picking out some relaxing reading material [9]. It's a great way to destress your brain, and just 6 minutes of reading can be enough to help you relax.

Another idea is to engage in mindfulness. Even if you dislike or have a difficult time meditating, there are mindfulness methods [10] that you can apply to everyday activities that will help your mind to be more relaxed and focused. For instance, being more in tune with your body while you walk, or mindfully savoring the sensations and movements involved with eating your meals, can help settle your nerves.

Exhale Stress, Inhale Calm

Simple breathing exercises can be a big perk when you're feeling stressed. Try something easy you can take with you no matter where you go, like the 4-7-8 technique. You simply inhale for 4 seconds through your nose, hold the breath for 7 seconds, then exhale for 8 seconds through your mouth, and repeat up to 4 sequences.

When you're doing that healthy, deep breathing, consider taking things up a notch with some aromatherapy. Certain scents are felt to be natural stress reducers, like lavender, bergamot, and jasmine. You can even buy jewelry [12] to take your essential oils with you, which can help lift your mood and calm your nerves throughout the day.

It's perfectly normal to feel stressed going into your wedding, but it doesn't need to wear you down. Boost your immune system, engage in some diversionary tactics, and take a deep breath. Soon you and your beloved will look back on this time fondly, as you build a beautiful, new life together.

by: Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com | info@fitsheila.com