Your wedding day is a celebration of love. It is not a time to stress or worry about minutiae which, in the scheme of things, are insignificant when compared to the fundamental intention of your special day. Therefore, amidst the flurry of preparation, you must take time to decompress.

The benefits of stress relief — particularly leading up to the final weeks and days before your wedding — cannot be stressed too much or too often (no pun intended). First, you should focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. Take time to engage in such passive activities as listening to your favorite music, playing relaxation tapes, reading and/or meditating. In addition, focus on the quality of your nutrition, limiting caffeine and sugar, which tend to increase cortisol levels (i.e., your body’s stress hormones). Be sure to reorganize your daily schedule, so as to allow yourself time to relax with your loved ones, family, and friends. Being in the company of those who support and uplift you will help to decrease anxiety. Stop working at least an hour before bedtime. Kick back, relax with a good book or some other pleasant engagement.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Delegate tasks to your wedding planner, or if you are planning your wedding independently, make sure that you think ahead, so that you do not find yourself inventing “Plan B” at the last minute. Speak candidly with your partner and work toward being “on the same page” with regard to your wedding details — the venue, the style of the event, the guest list, etc. Open communication is essential, although excessive emphasis on stressors only tends to compound your frayed emotional state.

Smile often, and allow that feeling of joy to emanate from your core. This is the most exciting time of your life. Take it all in and bask in each moment, enjoying the totality of the experience. Most of all, indulge in those activities and plans that make you happy. When you do, everyone around you will rejoice.