Bride Guide #6 from Logan Utah photographer Lauren Kay Photography

Before I was a Logan Utah photographer, if you would’ve asked me what relationship is most important when you get married, I would’ve said with your spouse. But the truth is, your relationship with yourself is what is most important. 

 

Treat Yourself

 

You know how it goes. You get busy and the first thing to go on your to-do list to is you. Your exercise. Your time to relax and recharge. Anything that is purely just for you. Right? Ladies, the most important relationship on your wedding day is not with your groom or anyone else. It’s with yourself. Self-care is where the wedding planning all starts. Seriously, it is! It may seem inconsequential but it is absolutely the most important thing you can do to prepare for your wedding and marriage.

 

Don’t stop taking care of yourself like I did. Your confidence and how you feel about yourself is crucial to loving your wedding day and night. You will be so busy during this time that it feels like the first thing that should go, but taking care of yourself is essential.

 

You are worth it. When you spend money or time on something, you tell your brain that it matters to you. And girl, you matter.

 

If I would’ve taken care of myself and invested in myself, I know our wedding would’ve been leaps and bounds better than it was. If you do one thing, please, take care of yourself. You are worth it.

 

 

Here’s a little quiz to help you see how well you’re doing + helpful tips:

 

It’s so easy to brush things off and say you’re fine. Especially when you’re engaged. But ladies. Face your crap head on. Do the things you need to in order to have a good relationship with yourself. Try and stand back up when you fall, because you will fall. Don’t be hard on yourself. And let people help you.

 

16 Questions:

 

Physical:

• How often do you exercise?
• Do you get ready for the day?
• How is your sleep schedule?
• What’s your water and food intake like?
• Do you love your body and feel beautiful? What could you do to love yourself more?

 

Emotional:

• What is your stress level like?
• What are your external circumstances (job, school, housing, etc.) like?
• How much me-time do you spend?
• Do you feel like your usual self?

 

Relational:

• Do you have genuine friendships outside of your groom that you are actively nurturing?
• Do you and your groom spend time together that’s purely for fun, like a date night, at least once a week?
• Are there any red-flags or things you’re bottling that you need to address with your groom?
• What is your relationship like with yourself?

 

Spiritual:

• Do you genuinely connect with God each day?
• How often do you turn everything off and ponder?
• Most importantly, what do you feel impressed to do that you’re not doing?

 

 

 

Treat Yourself Tips:

 

Why should you do these things? Clearer skin, less anxiety and stress, better mood, weight management, more energy, better sleep, boosted immunity, clearer thinking, more self-esteem, better memory, increased creativity, better attention and focus, less irritability and depression, and increased libido… should I keep going?

 

• Drink at least half your body weight (in ounces) of water every day.
  • Keep a water bottle in sight.
  • Flavor it with fruit or a sugar-free flavoring (but avoid soda!).
  • Eat more fruits and veggies. They have water in them!
• Exercise five to six days a week.
  • Benefits come no matter the intensity or time so doing something is always better than nothing. Even if it’s just 5 minutes, do it.
  • Do what you enjoy! If you hate running, then don’t run! Yoga, Zumba, swimming, a sport, stairs, walking, weight lifting, cycling, Pilates, dance – find something you enjoy and do that.
  • Make it fun! Get an outfit you loooove. Listen to music that gets you pumped up, watch TV or a movie, listen to a podcast, try new workouts and mix things up (YouTube is great for this).
  • Think small. Take the stairs, park farther away at the store, stretch while you read your scriptures… little things make a big difference.
  • Ask a friend or your groom to join you! Accountability helps a ton. Or, take a class!
• Eat well.
  • Don’t go crazy. Eat appropriate portions, lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, healthy fats, and less sugar. Drink water and try not to skip meals. No crazy dieting needed.
  • Buy healthy snacks! What you have is what you’ll eat, so it all starts at the grocery store.
    • Some of my favorite snacks are: Greek yogurt, trail mix, fruits, veggies, protein shakes/smoothies, whole-grain toast, string cheese, air-popped popcorn, chips and salsa, and leftovers!
  • Share. When you go out to eat or out for a treat, share it or box up half of it right at the start. Moderating how much you eat can help a ton.
• Sleep, y’all.
  • You need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and maybe even up to 11 hours. Do what works for you and what you need to be rested and happy.
  • Keep your sleep schedule consistent, even on weekends.
  • Early to bed, early to rise.
  • Relax before bed and avoid screen time.
• Get sexy. Feeling good about yourself comes from taking good care of yourself, including your appearance.
  • Get ready every day.
  • Exfoliate, wash, and moisturize your skin.
  • Keep your hair trimmed and cared for.
  • Spend some self-care time.
    • Go on a walk or run, listen to a podcast or music, go on a drive, ponder, go on a bike ride, paint, take pictures, bake, sew, play a sport, take a bath or shower, stretch, read a book, write in your journal, do a coloring page, paint your nails, do a facial, take a nap, sit under the stars, watch the sunrise or sunset, do yoga, go get a smoothie, go shopping, get a massage.

 

 

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