Which lifestyle choice is important for stress management?

Adequate sleep and rest are crucial aspects of stress management because they directly impact a person's physical and mental well-being. Quality sleep allows the body to recover, rejuvenate, and emotionally process the events of the day. When an individual doesn't get sufficient rest, it can lead to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol, impair cognitive functioning, and hinder the ability to cope with stressors effectively. Moreover, well-rested individuals are often better equipped to make healthier decisions, manage their emotions, and maintain focus on tasks, all of which can contribute significantly to overall resilience against stress.

In contrast, choices such as skipping meals can lead to irritability and reduced energy levels, inconsistently working overtime may increase feelings of overwhelm and burnout, and ignoring personal relationships can lead to social isolation and decreased emotional support, both of which can exacerbate stress. Thus, prioritizing adequate sleep and rest is foundational in developing healthy stress management strategies.