This morning started like every other day since the big engagement: head right to my computer to get in an hour of wedding blog browsing and guest list tweaking before having to go to work. Often I also have time to put on a Tivo’d episode of some wedding show at the same time. The same happens after work: straight to the planning until bedtime. It’s been a whole month now of this planning addiction, and I’m starting to realize I can’t go on like this forever. What did I do before becoming a wedding planning addict?

Image from budgetdisneywedding.blogspot.com

I have decide I need to take some steps to curb this habit before it’s too late. Here are some things that can help if you feel like you’re doing the same thing:

1. Get back to regular life.

This can include making sure you have regular visits with friends, ones where you DON’T mention the wedding. Invite friends over to watch your favourite (non-wedding) tv show, clean the abandoned closet, experiment with a new cookbook.

2. Start a new hobby.

You probably think you have no time for another hobby, because you are too busy planning. However, starting something new once a week is a great way to force you to get your mind off of things. I have decided to register the dog in some new training classes which is great family bonding time. Starting a new workout routine is a great new hobby that gets your mind off wedding stress while simultaneously getting you in shape for the big day!

3. Everything in moderation.

Sounds simple, but is very difficult. Try to limit wedding planning to a few hours a day (rather than every waking moment). I am going to try to limit my hours so that I’m more productive during those hours. One thing that really helped me is Goggle Reader – You can subscribe to all of your blogs in one place, which makes for more relaxing reading.

4. Get out of town!

If you can, get away for a quick weekend trip with your Dude. Sunflower Dude and I are heading on a last-minute trip to Cabo San Lucas this week as a way to unwind and get away from it all. Check your area for Spas that have getaway packages. Work it into the wedding budget, because it can be just as important as other pre-wedding factors.

Photo of Lover's beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico from igougo.com

You might want to argue that this is your only chance to get 100% into wedding planning, so you want to do it. That’s fine too, but don’t forget who you are, and what you liked to do before the wedding planning bug bit you. Post wedding, it is common for brides to feel depression because they don’t remember what it was like to NOT plan. Keeping up with hobbies, friends, and other non-wedding things will ensure smooth sailing post-wedding.

What measures are you taking to make sure that wedding planning doesn’t take over you and your Dude’s life?