Some "relaxing" remedies may do more harm than good, says Dr. Amen. A few no-nos:
- Don't down the entire wine bottle. One glass of wine can be calming -- but two or more can disturb sleep patterns, making you more jumpy by morning.
- Don't unleash your anxiety on others. Ask yourself -- and be honest -- if you're the one who needs a time-out. And if you do, take it.
- Don't take kava kava without seeking medical advice first. While the herb can have a calming effect, studies have shown it can also cause liver damage and adversely interact with other medications, both prescription and over the counter.