Take a deep breath. Go on, try it. Now — can you remember the last time you stopped to just breath? Planning a wedding can be so consuming that those simple, human necessities can all too easily slip away. Deep breaths, long baths, hydrating your body and giving yourself those small yet gratifying moments that you probably need now more than ever.
We know not every bride can schedule in a weekly massage or make it to yoga every morning (cheers to those who can!), so today we’re focusing on 5 simple rituals that you can do at home. Five things to make you feel more you. To combat the stress that threatens to dry out your skin, darken those undereye circles, bloat the belly, and overwhelm your mind. These easy routines will help you feel well rested, well hydrated, and overall more like your best self for the big day to come. Take care, loves. We give you permission.
The gorgeous photos below are by the stunning Elizabeth Messina! We don’t blame you if the images alone – I mean, how comfy do those Bella Notte linens look?! – are enough to help you zen out :)
Daily Ritual: Amp up Your Hydration Game
WHY: In case you need a reminder of the benefits of hydration, let this long list motivate you to reach for the H20: proper hydration keeps your skin plump and glowing; helps your muscles fight fatigue, helps your kidneys function correctly to rid your body of toxins, keeps your bowels working properly (bye-bye bloat!) and helps brain function to strengthen cognitive function and memory. source, source
HOW: So, how much should you drink in a day? Harvard suggests a simple solution of 2-3 cups per hour for most people, more if you’re sweating or working out. Water is the best option for hydration, but this is you we’re talking about, and you deserve something a little special. We say, fancy it up with some infused water. Simply chop up some cucumber, mint, citrus, or whatever is in season and let your water absorb those spa-like properties. Amazon has an adorable rose gold fruit infuser water bottle so you can take it to go!
TRY IT: This recipe for detox infused water is a favorite. Or, try a morning beauty tonic! We’re fans of Bali’s famous turmeric + ginger elixir, Jamu, an anti-inflammatory healing drink that’s delicious hot or cold: here’s a recipe. Glow on, sister.
///
Weekly Ritual: Unwind with an Infused Bath
WHY: Hop in a warm bath and let the stress melt away. Honestly — it’s proven! Submerging in warm water produces feelings of calm and ease, diminishing anxiety and pessimism. A warm bath before bed produces melatonin to helps you sleep better, soothes achy muscles, and can do wonders for tired skin when infused with the right ingredients.
TRY IT: Draw a warm bath (not too hot) and soak for 15-20 minutes with some of our favorites tried and true infusions:
- For achy muscles: Add 2 cups of Dr. Teal’s Lavendar Epsom Salts.
- To soothe dry skin: Add 10 drops of rose essential oil to either a carrier oil (jojoba, olive, or coconut) or 1 cup Epsom salt; Draw the bath before adding mixture then give it a stir before getting in.
- Because you deserve it: Throw in some few dried botanicals, grab a treat, and soak up that alone time!
///
Bi-Weekly Ritual: Love Your Skin with a Simple Face Mask
WHY: Because face masks solve all problems, don’t you know?! But seriously, there is something that makes you feel on top of that to-do list when you put on a face mask. You could always grab a sheet mask on your next Target run or mix some apple cider vinegar with Aztec Healing Clay, but we’re talking simple + at home remedies here. And you can find our go-to right there in your pantry.
HOW: It’s honey! If you haven’t read up on the skincare benefits of honey, prepare to be amazed. Honey is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and gently nurturing like the best hug. The low pH balance means that bacteria can’t survive, which translates to an environment where acne is a thing of the past. It’s moisturizing, it’s great for sensitive skin — honey can do no wrong. source
TRY IT: First, make sure you have the highest quality raw honey you can find/afford. Pick some up at your local farmers market or grab some manuka honey online. Splash your (makeup free!) face with a little water to make the honey easier to spread. Next, spread 1-2 teaspoons across your face and neck. Let the honey mask sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Lock in the moisture with a your favorite moisturizer or sweet almond oil.
///
Nightly Ritual: Get Your Beauty Sleep
WHY: We all know a good night’s rest is important and beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. But you’re planning a wedding, here! So, chances are that while your body and soul may be ready to call it a day, that mind of yours could have other plans.
HOW: The good news? There are a number of ways to shut your brain off and win the battle. From meditation apps to quick yoga routines.
TRY IT: Here are a few quick tips to get your entire self ready for a rejuvenating night’s sleep!
- Make the rule and follow it: your bed is only for sleeping! Keep the room temperature cool and the lighting as dark as possible. Avoid screens 1-2 hours before bedtime to prepare your brain and eyes for the rest to come.
- Get Calm: Download the Calm app for breathing exercise and guided meditations to help you sleep and mix some Natural Vitality Calm (aka the anti-stress drink) into a glass of water to get your daily intake of magnesium.
- Try this 7-minute bedtime yoga flow from one of our favorite instructors, Adriene Mishler of Yoga with Adriene.
- Treat yourself and invest in bedding that you LOVE! (The dreamy linens you see here? They’re from Bella Notte!) Bella Notte’s brand director Taylor (who is also the founder’s daughter!) shares this quote with us about how her bedding was essential to a good night’s sleep before her wedding, “Leading up to my wedding, I knew one of the biggest gifts I could give myself was a good night’s sleep. I piled my bed with soft down pillows and a billowy duvet, and our Madera Luxe sheets–they’re buttery soft and also sustainable, so I felt great every time I climbed in. Curling up in my sheets every night, bedroom window flung open to let in cool, fresh air, is still my favorite way to fall asleep!”
///
Daily Ritual: Be Present by Calling on Gratitude
WHY: Gratitude helps you to pinpoint the goodness in your life. Maybe your florist calls to say peonies are a no-go, or your seamstress didn’t get it quite right, or your venue fell through at the last minute. We ALL know that wedding planning comes with both expected and unexpected stresses. But at the end of the day, you’re preparing to spend your life with your person. Call on gratitude to refocus on what you have and where you are, rather than what you lack.
TRY IT: There are several ways to practice gratitude on a daily basis. We won’t lie — it can be hard at first. But, like working a muscle, it gets easier with time. You’ll find yourself focusing in on what you’re thankful for quicker and with more precision.
- Make a list: Keep a journal or note on your phone and jot down 1-3 things you’re thankful for each day.
- Send a note: Thank-you notes can feel like a chore when you’re planning a wedding, but once you sit down to write a meaningful message you’ll find its one of the greater joys in the process.
- Pray or meditate: Spend time giving thanks for your relationships, for warm weather, for coffee — whatever it is that makes your life happy!
///
One more deep breath, now…you got this.
photography: Elizabeth Messina // bedding & curtains: Bella Notte Linens // florals: Forage Florals // jewelry: Sofia Kaman and Catbird // clothing & lingerie: Twigs & Honey, Girl & A Serious Dream , Linyage and The Lace Atelier // hair & makeup: Christina Burns // floral cookies: Lori Stern // vintage pieces & props: The Arte Department
Planning a wedding can be joyous, but it can also be hectic, and even damaging to your well being–this kind of article is exactly the kind of resource busy brides need to remind themselves to take care of themselves.