Life can be stressful at times, and everyone goes through those times. Some of them are manageable on our own without any external help. However, at other times, we may be struck so hard that we require assistance from others to survive.
Being at a loss as to what to say or do to comfort a friend who is under pressure and in need is one of life's most challenging experiences. However, following these suggestions may help a friend through a tough time.
1. Hear Them Out
Make it safe for your anxious friend to open up to you. It's okay to be there and listen without trying to fix things. Although listening is one of the most underdeveloped talents, it can be invaluable when dealing with a frazzled pal.
They will tell you about their problems and count on you to empathize with them. Don't scold or make it seem like they're at fault, even if they are.
Using their concerns as a jumping-off point, think of ways to aid them. This is a secret that should remain just between you and me.
2. Take Them for a Walk
If you want to boost your friends' mood fast, all it takes is a change of environment and a little exercise. After sitting at a desk all day, your friend's larger muscles will feel the effects of their emotions if they get up and move around.
In addition, endorphins, which are released during exercise, have a calming effect. Also, being outside in nature might make you feel better emotionally and mentally; if you and a companion are stuck inside and can't go for a walk, at least get up and stretch your legs or look at some pictures of trees and grass. It's funny, but studies have shown that simply looking at pictures of nature can help you relax.
3. Practice Yoga or Meditation Together
According to the research, meditating is a great way to calm the mind and handle stress more effectively. If you bring your friend to these classes and make them stay until they finish, they will get a lot of valuable knowledge and experience.
If you join them, it would greatly help them. For that, you can join Yoga classes in Melbourne; they can be beneficial and suggest yoga that will calm your mind and help reduce stress.
4. Treat Them to Their Favorite Food
Some foods make your mental and physical stress levels rise. Overeating sugar will worsen if you're already overwhelmed. To keep their stress hormones at bay, you should recommend that they eat more stress-reducing meals like fruits and vegetables.
Bananas and citrus fruits are particularly useful in this respect. Positive emotions can be restored with the help of yogurt. Tell them to eat fatty seafood like salmon and tuna if possible. They contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, which help with stress.
Your friend can also take omega-3 supplement pills to help increase their daily intake.
5. Gift Them a Self-Help Book
Take advantage of this if your stressed-out pal is a reader. Find some articles about stress management and bring them in. They may find inspiration from periodicals that feature articles about people who have overcome depression.
Books that inspire the reader are also helpful. However, they should be substantial enough to be helpful but not so overwhelming that they cause unnecessary anxiety.
6. Do All the Things That Your Friend Likes
Your friend can always count on you to be there for them when they're feeling down, to lend an ear and a helping hand. The last thing you want is to let them down at a moment when they need you the most.
Your assistance in getting them back on their feet will be remembered fondly. That's why it's essential to do the legwork required to provide assistance and be a good friend.
Conclusion
You can think of other ways to support a buddy experiencing challenging times. Though sometimes, finding the right words and doing the right thing can be tricky, the only thing one can do is sit there and let the time pass.
But remember that sometimes just being present for your friend in their hard times is all that is needed