You can help relieve a bit of your stress by making little changes in your daily routine. UT Southwestern experts suggest putting incandescent lamps in your office and turning down fluorescent lighting. The soft glow of incandescent lamps can be soothing. At home, try unwinding with a bath. Play soft music and light a few scented candles to add to the experience.
Regular exercise can help relieve the tension caused by stress.
It also can help you sleep better in spite of stress. Planning your day and taking care of some items in advance can buy you a little extra time for yourself and take some of the worry out of deadlines. But don't rely on alcohol as a way to help you relax. That can cause more problems in the long run. An occasional glass of wine may not cause harm, but if you get to the point where you can't unwind without a drink, you may have developed a dangerous dependency.