Which of the following is a stress management technique?

• A. Exercise
• B. Prayer
• C. Reading
• D. Watching TV

Answer: (A)

Physical activity is a powerful stress management technique because it directly modulates the body's stress response. Exercise lowers the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline over time and triggers the release of endorphins, which improve mood and create a sense of well-being. It also helps improve sleep, increases energy, and boosts a sense of mastery and control, all of which enhance resilience to stress. Among the options, exercise provides broad physiological and psychological benefits that actively counter stress, making it the most effective choice. While prayer can offer coping support and reading can be relaxing for some, they don’t typically produce the same routine, physiological stress reduction and mood-boosting effects as physical activity. Watching television is usually passive and can contribute to sedentary behavior, which is less helpful for managing stress in the long run.