How does everyone cope with stressors?

I had never experienced as much stress as I have in the last 2 years of the military. Been in the Marines for 2 and a half years now. I was curious to see what you all do to cope. The only way I get through my days is by feeling some form of progression or achievement. Can be as little as finishing an anime, game or a book. Learning something new. Feeling like I'm progressing in some way. That and the gym is what keeps me sane. What do you guys do?

Well on the brightside being in the marines back to school season is a great time to stock up on crayons. In all seriousness leave the base, explore and see local things, drink, barracks fight club, barracks bunnies, leave, and hobbies are the most common way I've seen people deal with stress in the military

Thank you for your service first off. And I guess when I'm stressed I go around my family to hear them just be them, the noise calms me down, or I just cry since that's okay too OR I think about my stress and then feel fine lol. Sometimes I even sleep or sing to myself too

Well considering the military life may at least slightly differ from the rest of our little lives. (Not sure how on point that is, tell me if it's not) So I'll just go as "normal" as possible. Something that usually works for me is just letting your thoughts take all of your attention. Or well, actually for me this is more of an everyday routine thing than a mere coping mechanism. If you got free time, use it to quietly indulge yourself in your thoughts. Not acting or speaking on them unless it's something small like a 3am snack or piss break, etcetera, etcetera. You get it. Mandatory stuff LOL. Just like how it sounds, just letting the thoughts roam free in your mind... You're bound to cross some negative thoughts, but that's why they're in your head, and that's why you're letting it all run around willy-nilly. If you give it it's spotlight and let it play out, it'll pass right through, and usually won't come back, at least for a comfortable period of time. Unless it's something like trauma, of course. However, apologies as well as condolences in advance if that does play a role in anything. But anyways, just doing that, taking the time to be thinking about, well... Pretty much everything in your head can really open up your mind. Someone who saw you would think you're just staring off, but really, you're in your own portable Wonderland. Whatever happens, other than that, just stay strong and true to yourself! The rain won't last forever, and if it does... Hell, we'll dance in it

Hmm... that's a good question. I guess it depends what is stressing me out, but I usually like to talk about it with someone close to me just to get it out of my system. Otherwise, I do something to distract myself from what's stressing me out. Usually by playing video games or watching some shows/ movies (light-hearted ones). Unhealthy methods to deal with stress? For me it's shopping lol. Mostly online shopping. :O Margaritas are good too lol. :P

Short term solution? Get drunk. Thats only for emergencies though. It's extremely important as a person to allow yourself to feel stress and unhappiness. It's a natural part of life and you can't run away from it. Maybe when you are feeling really stressed just cut out some time for you to just sit back and face your emotions sober. Your brain is a muscle and it will eventually learn how to process stress.

Thinking on the root cause and then finding a solution. Personally, I just tend to overthink, rethink and then overthink some more.(Literally OCD thought process.lol) One thing that's helped me is this, don't stress over what you can't fix immediately. In other words, if there's not an immediate solution or maybe even no solution or it can wait, chill for a minute and relax your mind so you can think clearly. Emotions cloud judgement, lead to knee jerk reactions and often times when we think we need to worry, maybe what we need to do is just relax and think. I'd avoid the above mentioned alcohol, since that literally stresses your body out more(Don't worry, I too enjoy. So, I'm not on some moral high horse here.lol).