Don't Hit the Gym
While exercise can help you manage long-term stress, working out when you're worked up may make you feel worse: "The activity can add energy to the negative emotions you're experiencing, amplifying the stress impact on your brain and your body," says psychologist Deborah Rozman, PhD, the Institute of HeartMath's founding executive director.

Put Aside Your Emotions
We're urged to "feel our feelings", but a meltdown during a time of crisis won't help you solve the problem, explains Kit O'Neill, PhD, a therapist who specializes in the psychological impacts of disaster and trauma. When you feel the intensity of your emotions rising, calm down by distracting yourself with a computer game or a magazine. You can express your feelings later, to a friend or in a journal.

Go it Alone Sometimes
Maintaining close ties with your friends and family is important—except when, for whatever reason, those people bring you down. "Social support works only if it's positive support," says O'Neill. "But you know you can always be a good friend to yourself."


Next: 16 ways to make your workday healthier, happier and fulfilling