As you’re probably aware by now, planning your wedding involves a lot of effort and time. Thanks to this significant amount of work, arranging all the details of your big day can prove to be stressful at times. These realities plus your own expectations can eventually lead to burnout if you’re not careful. Nevertheless, you can avoid hitting your breaking point and the frazzled nerves that come with it by following sound advice.
To Everything, There Is a Season
Many wedding experts emphasize that effectively organizing and scheduling your planning are vital for avoiding burnout. A balanced schedule can help you sidestep procrastination and stop you obsessing over the details, both of which can cause sizable amounts of stress. In a February 2017 Wedding Wire article, Kim Forrest suggests limiting your planning to predetermined time blocks each week. In addition, Forrest suggests some other smart practices:
- Organize your wedding information. Whether you use a binder or apps and online tools, keeping track of details is critical to reducing your stress.
- Delegate some tasks to willing helpers. For instance, friends and family can assist with envelope stuffing or prepping welcome bags for guests.
- Turn to a wedding planner for help. A planner’s job is to wrangle the major moving pieces and assist you in choosing compatible vendors.
- Take frequent breaks. A night or two away from planning or a weekend road trip could be just the reprieve you need.
Moreover, Amy Kelly of eWedding.com warns readers to steer clear of the temptation to procrastinate. Although this may seem easier said than done, organization and delegation can aid you in tackling important aspects of your wedding well before the pressure starts to pile on.
How To Recover From Planning Burnout
Life happens. Despite our best intentions, it’s still easy to fall behind on our to-do lists thanks to illness, family demands, or circumstances related to our jobs or schooling. Bridal Guide’s Kristen Finello describes some common burnout symptoms:
- Moodiness
- Irritability
- Difficulty with concentration
- Lack of or poor-quality sleep
- Reduced appetite
- Dwindling sense of humor
If you’re experiencing problems like these and feel paralyzed or fearful of planning, it’s time to take steps. Thankfully, Brides contributor Stefania Sainato provides remedies in an April 2017 piece. She first suggests prioritizing any critical tasks by its importance, then setting deadlines for them and taking care of them first. Focusing on one issue at a time can cut back on what one planner called “decision overload” and allow you to accomplish immediately pressing objectives. Don’t forget that your social circle can provide essential support, so take time to talk to them about your conflicts and feelings and ask for help if needed.
Furthermore, breaks from planning are just as vital for burnout recovery as they are for burnout prevention. Walking away from Pinterest and Instagram will require some self-control, but this will allow you to clear your mind and refocus. While you’re at it, choose a fun and relaxing pastime that lets you cut down on your anxiety, blow off steam, or simply forget about your planning problems for a short time. Meanwhile, you can also use your much-needed break as an opportunity to reconnect and spend quality time with your partner.
Maintaining a Healthy Outlook Is Vital
Wedding planning is a big deal, no matter what size of event you plan or the number of details you incorporate. Since it is a major life-altering project, you need to ensure that you don't underestimate the amount of work required to turn your vision into a reality. You can steer clear of planning burnout or mitigate your stress by staying organized, accepting assistance from people you trust, and knowing when to give it a rest.
Add Your Comment