Avoid drawing attention to yourself by making eye contact or complaining to your captors. Cooperate passively with their requests and demands.
Establish rapport with those who have taken you hostage by talking about common topics, such as family and friends. Actively listen to your captors, identify with them, and stay away from controversial subjects. Do not debate or argue.
Maintain and exhibit self-respect and a positive attitude. It is healthy for you and has a good effect on other hostages as well.
Stay healthy while you are being held hostage: exercise daily and eat all offered food to keep your body fit and strong; relax routinely through meditation or prayer, and; if you have any medical concerns, request they be attended to.
Keep your mind active by reading or writing, if possible, or simply by directed thought and meditation.
Observe everything around you: the place, your captors, fellow hostages, sounds, daily routines. These observations will keep your mind sharp and ready to act if needed. If you are released, they can be very useful in freeing other hostages.
Keep track of time. If you are locked indoors away from natural light, pay note to daily routines or temperature changes. This will help your mental health and morale.
Establish relations with fellow hostages. Stay positive and avoid gossip, and maintain calm whenever possible.
