Which of the following strategies would be most effective for Julia to alleviate the stress associated with a negative social situation?

• A. Suppress her emotions and refrain from talking to anyone about the issue
• B. Increase her workload to distract herself from the stress
• C. Ignore her feelings and avoid thinking about the situation
• D. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that effective stress management strategies often involve active coping mechanisms that help reduce physiological and psychological tension.
2. Recognize that suppressing emotions or avoiding feelings can lead to increased stress over time, as these strategies do not address the root cause or help process the emotions.
3. Consider that increasing workload as a distraction might temporarily divert attention but can also add to overall stress and reduce time for recovery.
4. Identify relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation as methods that directly target the body's stress response by promoting calmness and emotional regulation.
5. Conclude that practicing relaxation techniques is the most effective strategy because it helps Julia manage her stress in a healthy way, improving her emotional well-being and resilience.