Sit on the toilet with feet supported on a small stool (knees higher than hips)
Lean forward, relax your belly, and keep your mouth open and breathing slowly
Try gentle straining for no more than 1–2 minutes, then stop and try again
Use abdominal massage in a clockwise direction
Apply a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen for 10–15 minutes
Consider a glycerin suppository for faster rectal stimulation
Consider a rectal enema (saline) if stool is in the rectum and you can tolerate it
Use an osmotic laxative like polyethylene glycol (PEG) if you have it available
Drink a large glass of water and avoid alcohol
If safe for you, try a stimulant laxative (such as senna or bisacodyl) for quicker relief
Walk around and do light stretching to stimulate bowel movement
Avoid heavy lifting and avoid prolonged straining
Seek urgent care if you have severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, blood in stool, a swollen abdomen, or inability to pass gas