Surface Area of a Rectangular Pyramid. The surface area of a regular square pyramid is the sum of area of the base and area of four isosceles triangles. But for rectangular pyramid, with rectangular base, we can not use the standard formula of surface area because there is more than one slant height ($s_1$ and $s_2$).
Step 1. Drink plenty of water with your meals and between meals. Water helps soften your stool. If you do not drink enough fluids, your body will pull water from the colon, hardening the stools. Also avoid caffeinated beverages, which cause your body to lose water.
Photo Credit gmast3r/iStock/Getty Images. Constipation can cause the stool in the colon and rectum to become dry and hard, making it uncomfortable to have a bowel movement. Stool softeners can be used to soften the stool and make it easier to pass out of the digestive tract. However, these drugs have several side effects that can cause discomfort and may make it necessary to find alternate treatment options.