Managing stress as a mother of the bride

While the spotlight is on the bride in the minutes, hours, and days leading up to a wedding, it’s easy to forget that she’s not the only one with a mile-long to-do list and a matching mountain of stress. Sending out invites, securing a venue, sorting through catalogs of mother of the bride dresses the number of things to keep in mind is dizzying. How can you manage your stress while also making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime day?

Get enough rest

Psychologists agree: the single greatest factor that causes anxiety and chronic worry is lack of sleep or irregular sleep cycles. Our minds need between seven and nine hours of sleep a day, depending on the person, and the absolute worst time to deprive yourself of this is when you’re overworking your body and mind planning for a big event. The best thing to do is set a schedule for yourself in advance that you stick to religiously. Consistency is the best way to encourage healthy habits.

Eat well

Hand-in-hand with sleep consistency is a good, balanced diet. The key is making sure you eat enough, while also finding the right foods to eat. The food pyramid is a good standby, but in times of high stress, getting the right amount of protein is definitely a priority. Keeping blood sugar balanced is also of great importance, as regulating your energy is the best way to stay focused.

Stay on top of your to-do’s

When all else fails, stay organized. It’s way too easy to feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you’re responsible for, and so keeping everything straight is a must. For most people, this means having a detailed to-do list that covers everything. Circle or star the items that require special attention and make sure you’re able to cross something off the list every single day. And when you’re feeling like there is no end in sight, just ask for help. Chances are other family members would love to get involved.

Managing your own stress is the best way to take some of the burden off of your loved ones. Why not offer them a clear mind and a steady shoulder when it’s most needed?