As a third year student in university, I’ve come to know the word “stress” like the back of my hand. (Especially right now in the middle of final exams)

By definition, stress is “a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.”

This is the common definition people say when asked about stress, however; as I continued scrolling the webpage I saw this definition:

“a force exerted when one body presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to compress or twist another body or body part.”

I like this one better. It’s more visual, and describes exactly how you feel when you have stressors in your life. You feel pulled in every direction, you begin to questions things, and your mind is twisted so much that you don’t know what to do anymore.

I’ve come to find that stress is dealt so much better when you confide in another person. Whether it be talking face-to-face, texting, or on a phone; talking about your situation out loud makes you feel relieved. I like to call these people my stress buddies.

After looking up the definition of stress, I decided to look up “stress buddy;” which,  come to no surprise was not in the dictionary. So, by default I came up with a definition myself.

A stress buddy is “someone who allows you to take a step back from the stress, and makes you laugh, makes you forget, and help to bring your twisty mind back to a relaxing state.  A stress buddy is trustworthy and you are able to confide in them for help about life’s stressful situations.”

Stress buddies have the incredible job of helping their friend/family member/random stranger take a moment to destress. Who’s your stress buddy? Who’s your go-to person to talk to when you feel stressed? Or do you need to find a stress buddy? 

Be thankful for your stress buddy, in fact, go thank your stress buddy for all the times they have helped you.

I also want you to take a moment today to do something for yourself. Do something to make you happy, make you smile, and make you destress!

Let that mental tension and worry cause no more problems in your life. Less stress will help you live your life to the fullest everyday!

– Liv