(ARA) - One of the most important moments in a woman's life is her wedding day. For some, however, the months and weeks leading up to the Big Day can be the most stressful. Many brides work especially hard in the weeks leading up to event to get in shape and to finalize every last detail.

The term "Bridezilla" is not used without reason. For any woman, worrying about cakes, seating charts, family members, guests, gifts, and looking gorgeous in that perfect dress can be too much to handle. That is why starting a workout routine today can prevent stress for the mind and body tomorrow.

"Exercise is a great stress reliever!" says Jeff Zwiefel, senior vice president, Life Time Fitness, a national operator of sports, professional fitness and family recreation centers. "Whether you run, hit the gym, partake in yoga or aerobics you are generating stress-busting endorphins which can help to put stressful situations back into perspective."

Here are some tips for the bride-to-be to keep a healthy mind and body while preparing for the big day:

Get organized! Map out a schedule of every event, including showers, parties, beauty appointments, when to pay caterers, DJs, party suppliers, reception halls and more. Strategize early how to fit in consistent workouts during the months leading up to the big day. Better still, including the wedding party in your routine would be a great way to bond and relieve stress about the fine details. Sometimes it is easier to work out with a friend. You can motivate and push each other, especially if there is a deadline.

Pay attention to nutrition! When some women feel stressed they overeat or stop eating altogether. Especially with all the fad-diets that are out there today, it is important to maintain consistency in eating habits. Eating many small meals a day is often more effective in health and weight loss than eating three large ones. A healthy diet includes proteins such as lean meats, fish, egg whites, and dairy. Carbohydrates are not always bad, ladies! The good ones include whole-wheat breads and pasta, wild rice, and multi-grain cereals. And do not forget to include five servings a day of fruits and vegetables. These aspects of a healthy diet will increase energy for everyday workouts.

Get in shape! All eyes will be on the bride when she walks down the aisle. Not only does she want to look great, but she wants to feel great when carrying around that heavy dress as well. For these reasons, brides cram to get into shape in the weeks before the wedding.

Get plenty of rest! Although easier said than done, sleep does wonders for high stress levels. Increased amounts of physical activity will help you sleep better, so it is important to remember that those two elements of a healthy mind and body go hand-in-hand. The stressful, last-minute details might be more manageable with a good amount of sleep each night.

Pamper yourself! Many brides work hard on their bodies and forget about keeping their minds in shape. Take time out for yourself to step away from the planning, to sit back and relax. After an intense workout, what better way to wind down than through one of the spa services provided at the Life Time Fitness LifeSpa? Get your hair or nails done, get a relaxing massage, or spend a few minutes in a whirlpool or sauna. Relaxation is the key to keeping a positive attitude and managing the stress of planning a wedding.

Try to keep a positive attitude about every detail of your Big Day. Most of your guests will only see the finished product anyway! Enjoy every aspect of planning your wedding, because it is your special day. Remember that putting in the effort to establish a permanent routine for the health of your mind and body today will provide benefits for a lifetime.

For more information about Life Time Fitness centers, programs, and services visit www.lifetimefitness.com, or call (800) 430-5433.

Courtesy of ARA Content