How brides-to-be can pamper themselves

Brides need all the pampering they can get. That’s because before their wedding day, there will be long and tiring days when they will need to push themselves more to get things done. And there will also be days when they will feel "burned out" and will need to stop and energize themselves.

Here are more ways brides can pamper themselves from the book, 50 Ways to Pamper Yourself by Stephanie Tourles.

Manage your stress

Stress restricts blood flow to the skin, preventing moisture and nutrients from getting where they need to go. Stress also promotes the production of the male hormone testosterone which stimulates oil production. That, in turn, promotes pimple formation and clogged pores. Lowering your stress level will dramatically improve the texture and condition of your skin.

• Use lavender essential oil to help you relax. It is a natural sedative and nervine. Place three drops of pure lavender essential oil into a soft tissue of small handkerchief and inhale deeply of the floral aroma. You’ll be serene within minutes.

• The following exercise will work wonders to help you refocus, de-stress and re-energize: Stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart, placing your palms on your lower abdomen. Close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose, gradually expanding your diaphragm. If you’re breathing correctly, you will feel your hands move outward. Hold for a count of five. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this 10 times.

High time for tea

Nothing is more relaxing and refreshing than a good cup of herbal tea. Tea herbs are easily grown in pots or in gardens. All that’s needed are good soil, a sunny spot, water, fertilizer and a bit of Tender Loving Care. Herb seeds for tea gardens are available in most garden centers or through seed catalogs.

For your sipping pleasure, try the following:

Lemon lover’s blend. Two tsp. each of lemon balm leaves, lemon verbena leaves and lemon grass leaves, plus fresh lemon juice to taste.

Tension ease. Two tsp. each camomile flowers, lemon basil leaves and raspberry leaves.

Fresh-n-fruity. Two tsp. each pineapple mint leaves, orange mint leaves, apple mint leaves and ginger mint leaves.

High-energy snacks

Brides need food that will satisfy their cravings, give them a boost and yet will not leave them with empty calories and fat. Here are some:

• For a cooling snack, nothing beats sweet, frozen seedless grapes. They’re a tasty, crunchy treat that’s full of vitamins and minerals.

• To organic plain yogurt or soy yogurt, add any of the following: ripe raspberries, kiwi, papaya, almond slivers, raisins, granola. Stir well and drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.

• For a high-protein snack, top a toast or rice cake with a peanut or sesame butter or cottage cheese.

Fortify yourself against colds and flu

June may be the "marrying month" but it is also the month of rains and storms. A bride-to-be wouldn’t want to have a runny nose while walking down the aisle.

Professional pampering tips

Self-pampering is a wonderful way to address your emotional, physical and spiritual needs but sometimes it just plain feels better to put yourself into the hands of a professional. Here are some tips for a great pampering experience:

•. Next time you visit your hairstylist, ask the shampoo technician to spend extra time performing a scalp massage. The tension will simply drain from your head.

• A spa manicure or pedicure is a change of pace from the usual variety. These can include a sea salt soak, or a mud paraffin mask, or a full hand and foot reflexology treatment, followed by a softening peppermint cream massage.

• To soften, hydrate and exfoliate your body by a seaweed or herbal body wrap.

• Try a mini massage. Many day spas offer low fee mint massages for your back, shoulders or feet.

There are still many ways to treat your mind, body and spirit. But sometimes, the most important concepts to remember are the simplest lessons learned from your parents, teachers, children or even your own experiences. Take time to appreciate what you have and recall a few wise words that will inspire you especially as you prepare for your wedding day.

E-mail the author at: babyjackster@yahoo.com