You know exactly what to do when your client is having a freak out over the food, flowers and families. You can handle a stressed-out bride with your eyes closed.
But how do you manage your own stress?
We’ve got some unusual tips to keep you calm and help you stay in control but don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to take deep breaths or think happy thoughts.
Instead, try out some of my very best (albeit, a bit unconventional) tips and watch your stress levels drop.
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Smash some plates.
Look, I’ve tried yoga, I get it – it calms and relaxes.
However, when I’m super stressed, I need something a little more…intense to release the pressure. I once took part in a performance art project where I was invited to smash plates. While it seems a bit crazy at first, it was unbelievably stress relieving. I don’t advise you do this at a restaurant or a client’s rehearsal dinner, but if you can set up a corner in your backyard or office to let loose once in awhile – why not?
TIP: Inexpensive, unwanted plates can be found at your local thrift store or at your grandma’s house. Make it a team-building activity at your next staff meeting!
And well, if you can’t part with your pretty china in this way, consider taking kickboxing classes or even just punching a cushion. Anything that lets you get out your aggression.
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Take a history class before bed.
Well sort of. Sometimes I hate going to sleep because I know I’ll have lots of thoughts running through my head and it’ll be hard to shut it all off. However, I found a way around this by playing history documentaries on my iPad while I fall asleep. Try to find something that’s pretty calm and not too depressing. This way, you have something relaxing to focus on until you fall asleep instead of stressful thoughts and your never ending to-do’s.
TIP: If you’re worried about the blue light from your screen keeping you up, try an app like f.lux.
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Stuff some envelopes.
Do something simple and repetitive. I like to consider myself a sharp and intelligent woman, but I can I admit something?
I really, really like stuffing envelopes. I find it weirdly relaxing.
It’s easy, you can see your progress and it gives you the chance to focus on what’s right in front of you, instead of whatever future problems that are stressing you out.
TIP: You can substitute this task for folding your client’s wedding programs (don’t forget to bill them for your time!) or ironing your work clothes for the week ahead.
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Write angry emails.
But don’t press send!
Have you ever been so angry with someone that all you can think about are the NSFW things you want to say to them? The best option is to type it out. It gets the words out of your head and onto the screen and makes you feel like you’re somehow doing something about the problem.
Important: never, ever, EVER actually send these emails – trust us, it’s not worth it.
TIP: Write your angry emails in a word document to avoid any chance of accidentally sending them and of course, don’t save them on the your work’s shared drive or Dropbox…for obvious reasons.
I told you we wouldn’t be giving you breathing tips or telling you to go to your happy place.
Do you think you’ll be trying any of our suggestions?
Have you got any weird tips of your own? Leave us a comment below and tell us what you do to de-stress.
