How do you deal with stress?

 Okay I've been interviewing for a promotion at work, problem is, is that it will be much more work, more stress, a manager who is a micromanager, who doesn't defend her employees, and she's putting me through the ringer in the interview process.  This is a great opportunity for me to move up in the company and could lead to other opportunities, hopefully a good bump in pay, and in my current position I worry about layoffs because the work load has been slow.  This is kind of what I went through when I put on so much weight.  So now that I'm not eating, or drinking, I've started craving cigerretts again. I quit 4yrs ago, but found myself buying a pack today. UGH, I know its a gross habit, I keep all my reasons for quiting in my wallet, but I feel like I need a valium or something to cope with things sometimes.  If I do get this job and have more stress, I'm gonna have to learn a better coping mechanism.  What do you all do now?  

 I run and then I run some more, I work out hard and it leaves me to exhausted to be stressed out. Not to mention that the endorphin rush I get makes my body feel so relaxed that my body unwinds itself and I am left with almost the inability to get upset for a while (ask my kids, they always wait until after I work out to ask me for stuff LOL). 

If you have an anxiety condition, talk to your doctor, there is no shame in taking valium when needed!

Exercise is the best anti-anxiety med for me. I get up from my desk and walk a couple of times a day, I run and lift weights in the evening.

 Having said that, don't set yourself up for failure. If your manager to-be is a bad, my advice would be to look for opportunity elsewhere at your work or look outside.   It's not a bad time to be looking for a job if you already have one. The job market is opening up, and there's generally a strong preference for people who are currently working. While that sucks for the long-term unemployed, it's good for you. 

Take your time, come up with a plan, polish your resume, get some professional advice, if needed, and go for it.