A GET TOGETHER
Get together with a friend or a few close friends and do something completely unrelated to the wedding. Seeing a movie, going out to eat, or visiting a new gallery or museum gives your mind time to relax. Taking a break does wonders for your outlook on life. And don’t forget your family. Making time to get together with family members without having to work on numerous wedding projects may be just the way to unwind.

REMEMBER YOUR FIANCÉ
With all the planning and all the lists, it’s easy to forget about why you decided to get married in the first place - your fiancé. Leave all the lists at home. Take time to see each other. Don’t talk about the wedding, but focus on each other. That’s the way it used to be, remember? Dressing up for a romantic night on the town, or escaping to a rustic cabin for some quiet time can do wonders for both of you. Being together without constantly discussing the wedding can help relieve stress and put things into perspective.

EXERCISE
It’s true! Taking a walk, going for a run, attending a dance class, practicing yoga, or working out at the gym is a major way to relieve pre-wedding stress. The endorphins that are released after exercising helps to create a feeling of well-being. And of course as an added bonus, exercising helps you stay in shape.

TURN A BRIDEZILLA INTO A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE
Pre-wedding stress can turn a beautiful bride into a dreaded bridezilla. How to change her back? It may not be as easy as "Presto Change-o," but following the suggestions from the experts can help. Explore some of these stress relievers.

TO PROMOTE RELAXATION - Try deep breathing exercises. Inhale and exhale slowly from the abdomen. These exercises can be done anytime and anywhere.

TO RELAX MUSCLES - Try stretching exercises. Start with the feet and slowly move upwards stretching the legs, hips, stomach, chest, hands, arms shoulders, neck and face.

TO RELEASE TENSION - Try tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups. Attempt to tense then release the muscle groups in the face, then move to the neck, next the shoulders, then the abdomen, followed by the legs and ending with the feet.

TO INCREASE CALMNESS - Use visual imagery to envision a comfortable or tranquil setting. Listen to music that is soothing or evokes pleasant memories. Practice meditation.

RELIEVING WEDDING STRESS WITH MOOD FOOD
Help manage pre-wedding stress by finding the right food for the mood.

FOR STRESS RELIEF - Try high fiber foods such as vegetables, whole grain pastas, butter free pop corn, potatoes, and fruit.

WHEN FEELING UPSET - Try low fat carbohydrates.

FOR ENERGY - Try protein such as low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, beans and tuna.

WHEN FEELING SAD - Try carbohydrates, in moderation, such as pastas, breads and potatoes.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT
Learning how to handle the pre-wedding stress can help you relax and enjoy "The Big Day". There will be the occasional mix-ups, disappointments, and even near disasters. Remember, your wedding is about the beginning of your new life together. Ultimately, that’s what’s most important.