Once that ring is on your finger, you’ve only got one thing on your mind, and that’s planning a wedding. It’s easy to let that take top priority while failing to maintain other, arguably more important, aspects of you life. All of a sudden, you realize you might need to look after yourself a little more diligently if you’re going to survive this engagement season.

But don’t stress. Forming a few healthy habits early on in your engagement can easily set the tone for what the rest of it will look like! I’ve taken the time to compile a few ideas to keep your body happy and your mind healthy. At the end of the day, just make sure you’re doing what feels right for you!

Take care of your body

I’ll admit, this is a pretty broad category, but it encompasses so many great points! Establish a solid skincare routine. Eat foods that make you feel your best. Find that perfect-smelling body wash. Indulge in a facial if you want to! The possibilities are endless. All I’m saying is, do whatever it is you need to feel like your most beautiful self! 

Take a break from wedding planning 

Picking up a new hobby could be just the distraction you need! Find a new book (if you need some recommendations, click here!). Put on your favorite playlist and take a walk. Try your hand at a new art form or get really into cooking (your fiancé will thank you for that one). Whatever it is that can spark your interest and imagination, go for it! 

Write it all down

One of the top enemies of self care is anxiety. It can be crippling in this season of life, fueled by the never ending list of to-do’s and what-if’s. I’ve always felt like writing down what I’m feeling helped to calm that wave of anxiousness.

Write down a physical to-do list instead of trying to keep it all in your head. Journal once a week about how you’re feeling, including what excites you and any fears you may have (both are normal just fyi). Your journal is a place for complete honesty, so don’t be afraid to get real. 

Sleep! 

This can be a tough one. If the idea of wedding planning is keeping you up at night, know you’re not alone. Stress can have some pretty crazy effects on our body, and insomnia is one of them. 

Start forming healthy sleeping habits early in the game. Read a book before bed instead of staring at your phone. Indulge in a relaxing tea or other natural sleeping aid. Try to clock seven to eight total hours of sleep a night, your body will thank you! For some more help, check out this article from brides.com on curing that pre-wedding insomnia.

Prioritize time with your fiancé (that doesn’t revolve around the wedding)

Perhaps you’ve discovered that since you two got engaged, the wedding is all anyone can talk about! This isn’t inherently a bad thing. Savor this season of life. It only happens once! 

Nevertheless, I still recommend consistently stepping out of wedding planning mode and spending intentional time with your fiance that doesn’t include vendor meetings, tastings, or color swatches. Go on regular dates, whatever they may look like. Laugh and live life together like you’re still dating, because technically, you are! Remember why you two wanted to get married in the first place.

For more info about wedding planning, photography and other tips for brides, visit my website here!