Dear you,

Sometimes stress is just extremely easy to come by. It’s not hard to get yourself caught up in more than you can handle. I know that you’re having a rough day, week, or even month. I know that sometimes you feel like you’re in a constant state of struggling. I know that it feels like every time you take a step forward you also take two steps back. I know that it feels like the stress is never going to end.

You’re beginning to forget things because it feels like you can’t cram anything else into your brain. In fact, you probably forgot the newest reason as to why you are even so stressed out in the moment to begin with, but within twenty minutes you’ll probably figure it out again. Even if you do not remember why you were stressed, a new reason will pop up in its place. Your planner is full, and do are the seven other to do lists that you tried to make and couldn’t.

First things first, take a breath. It is perfectly okay to feel like you’re overwhelmed. Just remember that pain is temporary and well-kept results last forever. Keep working hard. Keep pushing through. Try not to sweat the small things in the meantime. Work your way through issues one at a time. Remember, you only have one set of hands, one set of legs, and one brain. Try not to spread yourself too thin at once.

When you’re stressed out, it is also perfectly okay to be a little selfish. It is okay to put your mental and physical health before the wants of other people. Plans can wait, non-emergencies can wait, relationships can wait. You need to work on yourself before you begin helping other people. What is the point in pouring tea to someone from your own cup when your own cup is empty?

Every night, the clock is going to strike midnight and it is going to be a new day. Every night, on Sunday, a new week arrives. Although awaiting the next day and week is not a permanent solution to stress, it sure helps in the moment. Breathe and remember that later down the road most of the things on your mind probably will not even matter. There are only so many more days until Friday, or a day off, or a better day.

Do me a favor and laugh at something. Whether you look up pointless jokes on the internet, read some silly old messages, or even just laugh at something that wasn’t meant to be yelled at. Take a deep breath and just smile at something silly. Take a break. Allow yourself to take three seconds to yourself, shut your eyes, and at least pretend that there is nothing on your mind.

And in the end, you might as well try to enjoy the stress while you are at it. Pressure makes diamonds and we both know that you are eager to shine.