Bridal R&R: Why taking a little break needs to be on your wedding checklist  

Weddings are made of magic, but planning them can be exhausting. Between fittings, guest lists, family opinions, beauty trials, and endless WhatsApp groups, brides often find themselves running on adrenaline and caffeine, feeling overwhelmed more often than not. Somewhere, the idea of “rest” becomes an afterthought, something to earn once everything is “done.”

But the truth is, you don’t need to escape your wedding to protect your peace. Sometimes, all it takes is a short pause. Taking a break, whether it’s five minutes, an hour, or an entire day, isn’t indulgent. It’s grounding. It allows you to reset your nervous system, reconnect with yourself, and remember that this season, while busy, is also deeply personal.

When you can take a five-minute break 

If your phone won’t stop buzzing and your to-do list feels louder than your thoughts, a five-minute pause can be surprisingly powerful. Step away from screens. Yes, even WhatsApp. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose for six counts, hold for four, and exhale slowly for six. Repeat this five times. This simple exercise helps calm your nervous system and lowers stress almost immediately.

You can also try grounding with grass, if possible. Stepping barefoot on grass has been known to significantly reduce stress and improve your mood. If you can start your day with this practice, all the better!

Another underrated reset is a sensory refresh. Wash your hands with a beautifully scented soap, spray rosewater on your face, apply lip balm, or spritz your favourite calming fragrance. These micro-moments of care bring a lot of comfort.

When you can take a fifteen-to-thirty-minute break 

This is the sweet spot when you have a little breathing room but still can’t switch off completely. A short stroll works wonders. Leave your phone behind or put it on silent. Let your body move without intention or urgency. Walking regulates cortisol levels and clears mental clutter, making it easier to return to decisions with clarity.

You can also try a guided meditation or sound bath. Even 15 minutes of stillness with a calming audio can reset your emotional baseline. Focus on releasing tension from your jaw, shoulders, and lower back, areas where stress can accumulate quietly.

Journalling is another gentle release. Write freely without structure: what’s exciting you, what’s overwhelming you, what you’re scared of, what you’re looking forward to once the wedding is over. You don’t need solutions, just space to be completely honest.

When you can take an hour-long break 

This is the kind of break that feels intentional rather than forced. This is the perfect time for a solo ritual. Run a warm shower or bath, light a candle, and play music that makes you feel calm or nostalgic. Pay attention to every movement, and every moment.  If restlessness persists, channel your energy creatively. Cook something nourishing, organise your clothes, arrange fresh flowers, read, paint, maybe even rewatch a comfort film. Choose something that has no outcome our deadline, and done purely for the joy of it.

When you can take a half-day break 

At some point, the sheer volume of choices can leave you emotionally drained. A half-day pause can stop burnout before it takes over. Block a morning or afternoon where wedding talk is off-limits. Spend this time reconnecting with things that existed before your wedding plans did. Meet a friend who doesn’t want to talk about lehengas. Visit a museum. Sit at a café with a book. You could also book a no-pressure beauty moment like a head massage, reflexology session, or a facial focused purely on relaxation, not results. If you’re spiritually inclined, this is also a beautiful moment for long prayers, yoga, meditation, or simply sitting in silence. These pauses often bring emotional clarity that no checklist ever can. 

When you can slip away for the day 

If emotions are running high and stress feels constant, a full day away from wedding prep can be transformative. Plan a short getaway if possible, like a staycation or a long drive. You can go with your family to a childhood-favourite restaurant. You could ask your partner to take you for ice-cream at the café you both went to for your first date. The only rule? No wedding-prep talk! Sleep in. Eat slowly. Move gently. Let the day unfold without structure. These moments of connection are often the most meaningful preparation of all.

In a season defined by planning, pausing can feel unnecessary, but it’s actually essential. Whether it’s five minutes of quiet or a full day of stepping away, every break is an act of self-respect. As a bride, you don’t have to do everything perfectly, you simply have to be authentic.

Lead image: Janhvi Kapoor/Instagram, Inside images: Getty 

Also read: Exfoliation is the bridal skincare step that makes all the difference

Also read: Pretty ear-cuffs are the mesmerising bridal detail that we can’t stop looking at