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Offer physical touch, if appropriate. Ask how you can help. Buy them a small gift. Put them in front of a mirror. Remind them of their positive traits that have helped them in the past.

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A soft caress or hug is a wonderful gesture for a friend who's feeling anxious or upset. If your relationship involves physical affection, use it now to help reassure them. This gesture doesn't have to be grand or over-the-top. Gently rubbing their back as they tell you what's happening or pulling them in for a quick hug can go a long way. This may seem obvious, but ask your loved one if there is anything specific you can do to help them. Don't assume you know how to "fix" the problem. Ask for their guidance. You might say something like, "Is there anything I can do?" If your friend can't think of anything, try to come up with a practical way to help, like helping them make dinner or accompanying them on a walk to get fresh air. Once the immediate stressor has passed, you can help reassure your friend that they are loved and cared for by giving them a small gift. The gift doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be meaningful. For instance, if you have a friend who has panic attacks, you might gift them with stress stones. They can rub these stones in between their fingers to help ground them in the present moment. People rarely see themselves through the same lens as the people closest to them. One thoughtful gesture is to help your friend or partner see themselves the way you see them. Walk them in front of a mirror and tell them what you see there. For example, you might say, "Come stand here and look. I want you to see what I see. You are strong, kind, and beautiful." Point out their strengths and what you admire about them, such as their ability to persevere, their creativity, their kindness, or their resilience in the face of adversity. Similarly, you could remind them that these positive traits are more important than what's happening in their life. Say, "I've always admired how you carve your own path and know that you will find your footing this time as well. You always find creative solutions to your problems and work hard to make them a reality." You could also say, "I know it's hard being on probation at work for being honest with that client, but honesty is more important than being on the boss's good side. What if the client had been harmed?"