Coping with Stress in High School and Beyond 10 2016 | Page 9

- Good sleep habits (go to sleep and wake-up at the same time daily, turn your phone off)

Exercise regularly (one of the most powerful ways to improve mood [and intelligence])

- Do pleasurable activities daily, including social things with friends and family

- Eat 3 healthy meals (avoid high-sugar foods [soda], processed foods, and meal skipping)

- Orient your life around major long-term goals, such as academic pursuits, athletics, career aspirations, creativity

- Use active coping/problem solving to reduce stress or effects of stress (seek employment if financially stressed, change thinking)

- Avoid passive coping (rumination, avoidance, self-medication)

Good self-care[2]