Which of the following is considered an effective strategy for managing long-term stress?

• A. Ignoring stressors and hoping they go away
• B. Avoiding all social interactions
• C. Engaging in regular physical exercise
• D. Relying solely on caffeine to stay alert

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that managing long-term stress effectively involves adopting strategies that promote physical and mental well-being rather than avoidance or harmful habits.
2. Evaluate each option by considering psychological research on stress management: ignoring stressors often leads to increased anxiety, and avoiding social interactions can reduce social support, which is crucial for coping.
3. Recognize that relying solely on caffeine may temporarily increase alertness but does not address the underlying stress and can have negative health effects.
4. Identify that engaging in regular physical exercise is supported by extensive research as an effective way to reduce stress hormones, improve mood, and enhance overall resilience to stress.
5. Conclude that among the options, engaging in regular physical exercise is the most effective long-term strategy for managing stress based on psychological principles and empirical evidence.