Developing Coping Skills

6 tried-and-true stress relievers that can help you cope.

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).