Skip to Content
800-533-8762
UPMC Logo
Skip to Content
UPMC Logo

Behaviors to Cope With Stress

UPMC Content 2

How to Minimize the Negative Effects of Stress on Your Health

Coping skills, or stress-coping behaviors, minimize the activation of the stress-reactive areas of the brain. People who incorporate coping skills into their lives have less stressor-induced alteration of their health compared to those who do not.

Contact Us

For more information about UPMC's Healthy Lifestyle Program, call 800-533-8762.

Or, e-mail Dr. Bruce Rabin, Director, Healthy Lifestyle Program, at hlp@upmc.edu.

Just think of the word RELAX to remember the stress-coping behaviors that help reduce the negative effects of stress on physical and mental health:

Reflection
  • Participate in spiritual or religious activities.
  • Take time to reflect on the things that add meaning, purpose, and joy to your life.

Expectations
  • Be optimistic.
  • See the glass as half full rather than half empty.

Laughter
  • Have a sense of humor.
  • Laugh at some of the things you do.

Acquaintances
  • Be socially active.
  • Spend time with people you enjoy.

Exercise
  • Be physically active.
  • Spend less time watching television or playing computer games.
  • Walk as often as you can.