The countdown to the wedding can be tiresome, frustrating and overwhelming to anyone who’s ever been married or had a wedding in their home. There’s so much to do, so little time, so many people to inform, so much to buy and at times it can get too much. Not surprising then to hear countless tales of disagreements between mom and daughter a week before the wedding, or watch in horror as your parents turn into completely different people from what they ever were. Add to that your own fears about whether he is really the one for you and whether his family would accept you.

Before it reaches the meltdown point, here’s a few tips for the bride-to-be: Take out time for you every day, make sure you have no distractions or reminders of the great event and just do what you want to breathe and unwind. Burn it off. Go for a jog, hit the gym or go for a brisk walk. Not only will it make you fitter for the D-day you’ll also be releasing a whole lot of stress and clearing up your mind. Ignore the family critics. We all have them, people who just aren’t happy with the way things are working out. As long as you are clear, whatever they say is irrelevant, just focus on the positive. Lavender Essential oil is a great soother for anxiety. Dab on a drop or two on your pulse points, or burn some in an aroma burner to help ease the exhaustion and the frayed nerves. Go for a long massage and take your mom with you. Poor woman’s tired from all the mall crawling as well!