WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS

• Pay attention to your body and behavior – changes can be cues to engage in coping strategies.
  
  

• Avoid stressful situations if you can – you cannot avoid job interviews but you can try to stay out of debt and avoid problems with the law.
  
  

• Rest and get plenty of sleep.
  
  

• Use relaxation techniques to control breathing (see "Anger Management" lesson in the Social Skills unit) and reduce muscle tension.
  
  

• Identify the cause of stress. Take action to change stressors that you can change – accept what cannot be changed.
  
  

• Manage time – work on completing one task at a time.
  
  

• Think positive.
  
  

• Express feelings appropriately (see "Anger Management" lesson in the Social Skills unit).
  
  

• Be flexible and willing to make changes.
  
  

• Eat properly and engage in physical activity.
  
  

• Do something fun. Read a book or do something to take your mind off the stressor.

Source: Corbin, C. D., & Lindsey, R. (1997). Fitness for Life. Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley.

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