In times of stress, we all have a tendency to reach for the instant-gratification of something that's probably not very good for us. A cupcake. A stiff drink. A cigarette. An online shopping spree we really can't afford. Basically, something that feel good in the moment but leaves a hangover of regret.

Brides often get themselves in trouble when they don't shine a spotlight on their own crutches, but instead continue to shop or puff away, thinking erroneously that 'just a few times won't kill me.' Maybe it won't kill you, but you're adding extra stress on top of your existing stress! Don't you have to hide those credit card bills, or those bags of shoes that arrive in the mail? Don't you feel lethargic after that enormous cupcake? Whatever your crutch is, it's ADDING to your stress, not taking away from it.

So your first step in ditching the crutch is writing down ALL of the crutches you have...shopping, smoking, drinking, eating junk food...and here are some of the more surprising ones:

1. Complaining: Calling your friends or your mom to whine and get lots of attention.

2. Cleaning: It's only a crutch if you can't stop or if you're yelling at your fiance about which slot his toothbrush is in.

3. Television: Are you checking out of reality to watch a Top Chef marathon? Watch out for too much viewing.

4. Over-exercise: If you're working out for hours every day, you've shifted from 'working out for well-being' to 'working out to avoid feeling something.' (This one may require counseling or medical attention.)

We can't live without some form of gratification, treats or enjoyment, so let yourself off the hook by not making this a 100% absolute! You're just writing down what your crutches are, perhaps in fun colorful markers, and reminding yourself that the cupcake has a negative kickback, the shopping spree has a day of reckoning coming. You'll slow yourself down a bit when you shine a big spotlight on what your crutches are.

Step 2? List the positive things you can do to cut the stress! Share with us in the Comments section what your Crutch-Replacements are!