Your wedding day should be joyful, fun, and relaxed, but that can be a tall order if you’re feeling exhausted and overscheduled heading into it. Here are some things you can do to alleviate the stress of wedding week.

Work Out
One of the best methods for reducing the effects of stress, partaking in physical activity releases hormones that foster your sense of inner calm. Even if you can’t devote a full hour at the gym, you can still fit a stress-relieving workout into your day by incorporating fifteen to twenty minutes of running, walking, yoga, or even dancing. That’s time enough to relieve stress, bolster your energy, and loosen those tight muscles.

Buy Some Time
During wedding week, you might have plenty of stress and a mile-long to-do list, but time is something that will be in short supply. Consider hiring someone to clean the house, do the laundry, run your errands, or anything else that needs to get done. The expense may be well worth it if it means more time to sleep, eat, pack, or focus on finishing the rest of your list.

Get Plenty of Sleep
It only takes a few nights of tossing and turning or burning the midnight oil to cause unbalanced moods and a foggy brain. Even though you’ll have a lot to accomplish this week, aim for a minimum of six hours of sleep every night. The morning of your wedding you’ll wake feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to hit the honeymoon!

Take Care of Your Body
Be sure to eat as healthfully as possible, skipping excess sugar, caffeine, and alcohol—all three will leave you feeling shaky, fatigued, and dehydrated. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water to ward off fatigue and help you look your best on the big day. You may want to take extra vitamins this week—especially B complex and Vitamin C—to combat the stress and busyness of wedding week.

Take Some Time Alone
In the days leading up to the wedding, you’ll naturally want to spend time with friends and family members you don’t otherwise often see, but it’s important to take a little time each day for yourself. Taking time for quiet reflection, even if it's less than an hour, can help you savor the moment as you prepare to start a new life and leave an old one behind.

Eat Right
It’s very common while planning and waiting for your special day to forget to fuel your body. Make sure to drink a lot of water, and avoid overeating or eating unhealthy or fattening foods. Not only will you feel your best, your stress levels won’t be as high. As an added bonus, you won't have to worry about fitting into your dress!

Remember: the important thing is to enjoy your big day! Keep these simple tips in mind to help you stay as stress-free as possible.

Photos by Courtney Dirks and Steven Depolo.