Developing Coping Skills

When you are faced with a painful emotional experience, try one or more of the proven stress relievers listed below:

Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or religious counselor about what's troubling you. Express your anger. Neither holding anger in nor blowing up is constructive. Cry if you feel like it. It may relieve tension. Focus on action you can take -- alone or with others -- to resolve the situation or to make matters better. Exercise on a regular basis and maintain a healthy diet. Get all the sleep you need, but don't use sleep as an escape. Avoid nonprescribed mood-altering drugs (including alcohol, which is a depressant).