Which activity reduces stress by easing physical tension?

• A. Reduce muscle tension
• B. Take action
• C. Address little things that bother you
• D. Manage time

Answer: (A)

When stress shows up, your muscles often tighten, especially in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. Easing that physical tension helps trigger the body’s relaxation response, slowing the heart rate and breathing and relaxing the muscles, which lowers overall stress quickly. So an activity that directly reduces muscle tension addresses the bodily signs of stress first, making it the most effective choice for reducing stress through physical relaxation. The other options can help by changing situations or how you think about them, but they don’t target the immediate physical tension as directly.