1. CRYING

This is the first strategy you learn to cope with pain. Crying helps you discharge tension and discomfort and relaxes tight muscles.

2. EXERCISING

Any aerobic exercise reduces stress, 20-30 minutes 3 times a week.

3. INTENSE WORK ACTIVITY

Channel your energy into a focused task.

4. HUMOR

Look at the bright side.

5. WRITING

Poetry and journal writing are effective vehicles for expressing and discharging feelings.

6. VERBALIZING PAIN

The act of saying that you hurt out loud reduces painful stress. Even if you’re shouting in your car or in an empty room, just saying it is calming and sometimes even healing.

7. PROBLEM – SOLVING ACTIVITIES

Directing your energy toward fixing what’s wrong reduces stress because you’re dealing with the root problems.

8. PROBLEM – SOLVING COMMUNICATIONS

Letting the person know your needs, feelings and limits reduces stress born of frustration.

9. MUSIC

A little time alone listening to music reduces stress.

10. ART

Any kind of drawing or painting can reduce stress.

11. PLAY – DOUGH

Working the clay in your hands for several minutes reduces stress.

12. RESTING

A period of no activity can be very helpful. Get an average of at least eight hours of sleep a night. If you know you need less, be consistent in the amount of sleep, and get to bed and rise at the same time on a regular basis.

13. EAT THREE MEALS A DAY

Consider vitamin supplements, with the advice of a doctor or dietician. Examine your intake of sugar and salt.

14. ELIMINATE SMOKING

Consult your physician about a non-smoking program.

15. REDUCE CAFFEINE INTAKE

Reduce coffee and tea to two or three cups a day. Fruit juice or cereal beverages may be substituted.