I love painting, but I can't do it to ease my stress. My perfectionism often discourages me from being able to create something: I worry too much about the outcome. But writing, however, fixes me up really quickly. I'm best at expressing myself through words. Also, I've been meditating for 6 1/2 years & it does WONDERS.
When I'm manic, I love to have discussions with people about just about anything (especially controversial topics) or I like to put on music really loud & sing & multitask. It's not exactly calming, but it puts me in a happy place. : P