Today The Stylish Planner is bringing you another great post from our Health & Fitness Expert, Kiana Lewis.  Kiana is a contributor on The Stylish Planner twice monthly, reporting on easy ways to stay healthy and fit on a busy schedule.

Kiana, a skilled fitness professional, has been working in the health and fitness industry for over 9 years. She holds various certifications, including W.I.T.S (World Instructors Training School) and ACE (American Council on Exercise). Kiana’s expertise lies in fitness training, as well as weight management. She has experience with various populations including, pre/post-natal and athletes, among many others. She loves plyometric training, sports, photography, and traveling.

Kiana’s philosophy about fitness is, “Exercise, your body will appreciate it."

Overwhelmed with the wedding planning process??  Dealing with vendors, money, family dynamics, social and personal expectations could make anyone go mad.  In the midst of the hysteria, your health could very well go south.  Headaches, stomach aches, poor concentration, irritability, sleeping problems and moodiness are just a few symptoms of stress.  Who wants to be sick on their wedding day??  So, heed the techniques below to keep your stress levels in check.  Also, feel free to share with us your personal stress-busters.

1. Bust Stress with Food: When you become a little frazzled, foods loaded with sugar (comfort foods) and/or salt may be what your reach for.  Instead, reach for dark green vegetables, citrus fruits and berries, unsalted nuts and seeds, and whole grains.  These foods contain various vitamins and minerals that help minimize levels of stress.  One other tidbit, try staying away from caffeinated drinks and limiting your coffee intake; try drinking tea.
2. Be a Little Selfish: Be sure not to lose yourself in the process.  Take some time to go for a walk or jog, catch a matinee at the theatre, drop in at a yoga studio, meditate, put on your favorite album and let the volume rip (be mindful of the neighbors), or schedule a mani/pedi and/or a massage.  I think you have caught my drift.
3. Give Orders: I know that it can be hard to relinquish control sometimes, but it’s called for in some cases.  Wedding “to-do” lists can end up being a mile long, so why not pass a few tasks to others?  Glance over your list, decide what you can and cannot complete, then delegate the rest to others (make sure you trust them to get the job done).
4. Shut It Down: Whether you’re planning a wedding or have a big meeting the next day, getting six to eight hours of sleep will help reverse the effects of stress.  Try to develop a nightly routine, which helps alert your body that it’s time settle down for the night.  More importantly, try going to “shutting it down” around the same time every night to keep your biological clock on time.

What do you do to beat stress?