How Do You Cope with Stress?

I really don't deal with stress well. I tend to attempt to shut what ever is stressing me out away in a hidden place in my mind and try not to think about it...with the hope that it will go away. Sometimes it does. Most times it doesn't. Denial or avoidance is never a good plan. I find myself reacting to unrelated issues in ways that confuse or upset. Or....I find myself turning to food to provide some sort of comfort or escape. I am trying to learn better ways...develop better ways of coping. I know I need to exercise more. Especially when I am stressed. I have my usual excuses for why I don't. They are all valid. Doing what is best for me is definitely not easy.