Physical threats aren’t the only events that trigger the stress response. Work, relationships, major life changes, illness or the death of a loved one can set off the same alarm system. The less control you have over events and the more uncertainty they create, the more likely you are to feel stressed. Even the typical day-to-day demands of living can contribute to your body’s stress response.

Chill Out! Here are 10 Ways to lower stress, raise your mood, calm your mind, and help you relax.

1. Listening to music is the number one calming activity worldwide. Researchers have found that music can produce alpha brain waves similar to those found during meditation. Try Baroque music, Mozart, Pachobel… or your own favorites!

2. Laugh – Researchers have found that humor triggers a physical response similar to exercise, releasing endorphins that lower stress. Studies discovered that laughter can boost immunity, reduce pain and even lower the risk of heart attacks. So kick back, watch a funny video and relax. Researchers at Loma Linda University Medical Center had adults view funny videos, and found that humor triggered a physiological response similar to exercise. Laughter increased endorphins and neurotransmitters, lowered stress hormone levels, and activated T-cells, which fight viruses.

3. Socialize – Friends are great medicine… and they decrease stress.

4. Say “No!” Don’t let yourself get burdened with too many obligations, meetings, and activities. Say no and save time for yourself. You deserve it.

5. Drink less "Some people use alcohol to reduce stress, but it's a two-edged sword that most likely will lead to dependency," says JoAnn Manson, MD, DrPH, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Abusing alcohol raises levels of triglycerides, which are fats in the blood, and can lead to high blood pressure and heart failure.

6. Take a walk – It helps to walk, breathe deeply and focus on yourself. Walking, swimming and other aerobic activities relieve stress and make you healthier. Aerobic exercise of any kind has the power to calm jangled nerves and improve bad moods. And when it's done every day, it can enhance self-esteem and combat depression. Indeed, research has shown that a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk can have the same calming effect as a mild tranquilizer. Why is aerobic activity such a great stress reducer? Experts point to its ability to trigger the release of endorphins, potent brain chemicals that relieve pain and stimulate relaxation. The higher your level of endorphins, the greater your sense of calm and well-being.

7. Practice tai chi. Moods were raised and cortisol levels dropped in one study of tai chi practitioners. Participants who walked 6 kilometers per hour and tai chi practitioners were found to have similar low heart rate and blood pressure levels.

8. Forgive someone - Stanford researchers, in a study of 259 people who received forgiveness training, found that 70% of them had decreased feelings of hurt, 27% had reduced physical symptoms of stress, and 15% had lower emotional stress.

9. Breathe deeply – right into your stomach. Breathing is the quickest way to reduce stress. Research demonstrates that heart rate increases with shallow breathing, creating feelings of anxiety--something you don't need when you are already stressed. Reverse the dynamic: all it takes to lower your heart rate and calm you down is slow, rhythmic belly breathing.

10. Meditate – In a Canadian study, those who meditated for seven weeks had decreased stress, depression, anxiety and anger.