Find a distraction. Shut myself up in my room and play games on my computer. Or if it's really really bad, I might engage in casual sex with a complete stranger.
I cook it takes my mind off everything else and lets me just focus on what im making. Plus when im done I get something really good to eat.
Try not to get in stressful situations. Unless it's an accident then think about everything you do and make sure you know what the consequence will be. Generally problems lead to stress so just try to avoid them as much as possible and yes doing things you love and cute fluffy animals help people cope with stress.
I find that the best method to control stress is when you get assigned something, to do it right away, so you don't fret about it later.