Life transitions and adulting are filled with all kinds of challenges. In fact, studies show that those between the ages of 18-35 report the highest levels of stress. 

As a friend, there are ways you can help your pals feel less stressed! Read on to find out how:

#1: Your Words Have Power💪

Perhaps your friend may be stressed out about a problem that you find easy (maybe they’re dealing with one free-loader for their group project in school and you’ve dealt with three before). While it’s not uncommon to compare ourselves with others, it’s important to remember that stress is individual. Let’s face it, we’ve all had friends who never worried about grades while we pulled our hair out over that B! 

Our words can be the most potent of weapons or the most powerful of antidotes. We can choose to use them positively to encourage our friends in stressful times. Each word possesses an energy that can heal, help, hurt, or harm — choosing the right ones is crucial!

As a friend we can do our best to listen, acknowledge and empathise with their stress. Avoid using phrases such as:

• “Just chill/relax.” 

• “It isn't that bad, other people have it worse.”

• "You should be over it by now."

Instead use phrases such as:

• “I’m here for you.”

• “I’m sorry to hear you feel stressed, how can I help?”

• “Things can get better.”

#2: Giggle Gang Unite 🤣

Humour has been known to be a powerful antidote to deal with stress. Laughing with friends ‘supports the formation, reinforcement and maintenance of human social bonds’. Just a note though, don’t tell that hilarious dad joke straightaway - not everyone will be able to jump from feeling stressed to laughing quite so easily.

When your friend is stressed out, consider supporting them by:

• Cracking a joke - there’s a ton of quick jokes available online!

• Sending funny videos or memes - thank you TikTok and Instagram!

• Telling them a funny story that happened in your day!

#3: Support Squad ✨

You may just be able to help your friends find practical solutions to problems that are causing them stress. Some ways you can offer support include:

• Help your friends review what they have on their plate and de-prioritise tasks that are not necessary.

• All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Help your friends create a balanced schedule and prioritise their physical and mental health. Introduce them to activities such as yoga or journalling!

• Encourage your friends to establish boundaries between their personal time and time spent studying or working. 

While practical help is great, sometimes all our friends need is a friend to rant to and a listening ear. Asking “How can I support you through this? Would you like a listening ear, gentle suggestions/advice, or to give it to you straight?” is a good place to start helping out a stressed friend :)

What happens if you’ve tried all 3 but they don't work?

Sometimes no matter what you do, your friend remains constantly stressed. If your friend is undergoing chronic stress, encourage them to seek professional help through counselling or therapy. Therapy is a great idea if your friend feels overwhelmed and has trouble carrying out their daily routines or meeting responsibilities at work, home or school. Professionals can help them to better identify sources of stress and learn new coping tools.

Sometimes the signs of stress aren’t obvious or your friends prefer to deal with it alone — and that’s okay! Checking in on them from time to time shows them that you care about them and they can always turn to you for help!

Sending our love to you and your friend!

Xoxo,

Friendzone