Explore these relaxing hobbies

Stress is a part of many people's daily lives. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that 44 percent of Americans feel their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Children also are struggling, with almost a one-third reporting that they have experienced a health symptom associated with stress, such as stomach aches, trouble sleeping and headaches.

Calming activities that can tone down the body's stress responses are great ways to alleviate stress. Summertime is an ideal time of the year to embrace relaxing activities because the hustle and bustle of everyday life tends to slow down during the summer, when kids are out of school and vacations are on the docket. These hobbies and other interests can help tame stress by promoting calm.

music. Music can be energizing or calming, depending on which music you choose. Researchers at Stanford University found that rhythmic music may have therapeutic effects for treating a range of neurological conditions, as it stimulates the brain and can perhaps change how it functions. Familiar melodies and gentle music can reduce the level of the stress hormone cortisol.

lets a person tend to living things while getting some fresh air. Both the sunlight and the activity itself can be soothing and have a positive effect on mood. A study from the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening, like listening to music, lowers cortisol levels.

Taking the time to unwind and read can help ease tension in the muscles, lower one's heart rate and induce calm. Research from the consultancy Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found reading reduced stress levels by 68 percent.