While getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating right can reduce anxiety, sometimes you just need immediate relief. These tips can ease your fretting mind:

• LOL. Do you grumble more than giggle? Laughter is a tension breaker. It stimulates endorphins — natural mood enhancers. Look for humor in any situation before becoming consumed by it. Make a goofy face or funny noise to defuse stress. Read an amusing article or watch a comedy. A little tickle to your funny bone goes a long way.

• Unplug. Sensory overload can spawn stress — from the flashing and beeping of technological devices to traffic, crowds, and pollution. Reinvigorate yourself with calming sights, sounds, and smells. Find just five minutes to be alone with your thoughts. Light a candle and take a relaxing bath. Wear earplugs to drown out noise or listen to a peaceful sound such as ocean waves. Focus on a tranquil image — an aquarium, the sunset, or a landscape that brings you comfort.

Though urgency and responsibilities can make anyone feel stress, you have tools for coping. You can find more stress management resources online on the Healthy Workforce website. In addition, you can get one-on-one help from EAP, the Employee Assistance Program.