The 46-year-old Australian actress, who has taken a challenging role as a mother facing an existential crisis in new psychological comedy drama If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, has reflected on her process for unwinding after a difficult day on set when she's working on more emotionally demanding projects.
"I drink a lot of alcohol. To be honest, it's sometimes as simple as having a cocktail after a long day on set or switching on the TV, she told Radio Times magazine.
"Everyone has different coping mechanisms. A lot of people have a spiritual practice or a religion but I don't have any of that.
"Bobby [Cannavale, her husband] and I have a very simple life. We're not surrounded by a lot of people.
"We have a community that we rely on at home in Brooklyn. It's those things that I gravitate towards. I'm from a very close family who I lean on more and more."
Meanwhile, the couple's children - Rocco, 10, and eight-year-old Rafael - are also a good source of grounding and normality for Byrne and her actor husband.
"Obviously, this is demanding subject matter, but I think I'm very good at keeping work at work and keeping home and home.
"It's great to have that separation. My children couldn't care less if I've had a long day - but in the best, most refreshing and grounding way."
Still, Byrne acknowledged her new film is one that has really "hit home" as she's explored her character.
"I'm a mother, so this role hits home for me.
"I mean, there's nothing more confronting than being a parent, because kids see the best of you and the worst of you - and it's so much about your own limitations.
"There's that cliché of your child ending up teaching you more about yourself than anything, but they are the greatest teachers. It's exactly the same in this film."
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