When a person tells you something you think is illogical, you have to let it slide a little. You can say why you think it doesn't make sense. Any response other than "Really? I didn't know that," just think of what I'd say to my grandma: Nod your head, smile and say "Ok, grandma." Then let it go, because otherwise, it will drive you mad.

Always plan for something to take more time than you think it should, because it will.

If you're a natural procrastinator like me, all those skills of completing things at the last second will come in handy. If you aren't, learn a little of the ways of the procrastinator, and don't sweat it when you're given an assignment shortly before it's due. Remember to stay calm, and if you don't do your best, it probably won't matter anyway. 

Don't be too timid. Sometimes you have to be persistent to get what you want. If that means asking for something multiple times, do it.

Never ask a big favor from a friend unless it's absolutely necessary.

Make sure you have a hobby that you really enjoy. It can keep you grounded and take your mind off of things for a while, making it a great stress reliever.

Chocolate...lots of chocolate. Especially the dark chocolate.

Jnusb has given you sound and wise advise.  No easy way to add to what she has just so well covered, even the last recommendation about lots of dark chocolate.....(I loved that one)

The only thing I would dare to add is that you take things as seriously as requirted depending on from whom it is coming from.  Let me explain, if an unknown person or barely known tells you one thing that you do not really like, let it slide, pay no attention to what that person said to you.  Only from those that are close to you, or whom you respect and admire, whatever they tell you is of importance to you.

Years back, I would allow whatever any one said about me to really impact me.  I was going crazy, there is no way to please everyone.  Until one day I realized that the opinion of those real close to me, or of those I really admired and respected, was important to me.  Since then, my level of stress has been greatly reduced.

Darn good answer, Jnusb416 !

I am confrontational by nature, so the most useful (& difficult) coping method I have learned here is to walk away. If things are getting me pissed, I turn around and leave. Getting upset is a negative event for me in the final analysis, so it is best to not let the situation develop to the extreme negative.

Walk Away. 

you must remember that you are surrounded by over a billion de-educated , mis- educated, brain washed and indoctrinated nationalists . anytime you come across the result of this ignorance be thankful you were not born and raised here, also (correct me if i'm wrong) you have someone you can go home to and talk about it with

I really cannot add to the advice the otehrs have given above, especially Jnusb. I can only add that you find a place to "vent". They can be other expats or even this site. BELIEVE ME, we have ALL had our days where we just want to launch our heads into orbit while leaving the rest of our bodies here for the school to clean up .
On the ocasions that I need to vent, I had a bit of a problem since coming to Beijing, since i am the only foreigner in the school. Fortunately, tehre are a few posters on this site that I can PM and feel much better and they do the same with me. This IS important, because if you dont let it out you will blow up in the classroom, in front of "Ayi" or even your boss. Let it out, and you will see how well your patience is restored!
Best of luck!

Always look out for No.1.

Nobody ever acts out of other people's interests.

Awareness is key.

What GuilinRaf said (cos I was going to...).

I don't think I can completely agree with what Jnus said... personally, I like the dark milk chocolate, or the cookies and cream! Even the macadamia ones. Also, someone once gave me a Hershey that was like a small lozenge-shaped thing... really nice!

Also, what Happy said!

But, yeah - have someone you can just let it out to! Even if you don't really know them, but they will say "Yep, I know exactly waht you mean!"

A punching bag and other strenuous exercise. Running and punching helps clear my head. And sex. Not at the same time. Awkward!

And, like Jnus said, chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. 

Hang on... I call troll!

Everyone knows you can't come to China AND keep your sanity!!! It's a logical impossibility!

I find drinking myself to sleep at night helps a lot.  That way I don't lie awake at night thinking about all the problems I can't fix.

I find it helps to just skip Mattaya's posts entirely.

For me, I try to keep things in perspective. One thing I know is that I won't be here forever, and that helps me relax a little when I look around at all the crazy things I see on a daily basis.  This also fuels my sense of adventure, in that even when I do see those crazy things, I inwardly chuckle, shake my head, and say to myself, "gotta remember to write that one down!"

As far as interpersonal relations, I really don't take very much I'm told seriously. This helps me when plans "change on a dime," or are never fulfilled in the first place. I learned a phrase a long time ago that I hold dear, and that is, "Did you expect something different?" If all that is happening around one in China is really the status quo (and it is), then by not expecting anything different helps to keep the Shock Factor to a minimum.

I really enjoy taking photos and videos. This actually gives me something to focus on (no pun intended), and helps me to view everything around me with a fresh eye, and sure enough, just when I thought I'd seen everything...

As Jimmy Buffet said, "Breathe in, breathe out, and move on!"