Final answer:
Soldiers in the trenches of World War I engaged in activities like writing letters, reading, playing cards, and fortifying positions to cope with the stress and tedium of trench warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
To distract themselves from the long waits and the harsh realities of trench warfare, soldiers engaged in various activities.
Given the monotonous and often terrifying conditions, which included constant threats of attack, artillery barrages, and the horrors of chemical warfare, soldiers found creative ways to cope with the tedium and stress of life in the trenches. They would write letters, read, play cards, or engage in makeshift games.
When not preparing for or recovering from the rigors of battle, they would fortify their positions, maintain their equipment, or stand guard. Some soldiers even took time to sketch or write in journals, creating a personal record of their experiences.
Despite these distractions, the overwhelming conditions of mud, disease, and the presence of rats made life in the trenches extremely difficult, leading to a state of perpetual discomfort and anxiety.