Final answer:
Aerobic exercise helps in managing stress by enhancing physical fitness, which makes individuals more resilient to stress. Building social support contributes to experiencing less stress by providing a sense of belonging and better overall health outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the textbook's discussion, aerobic exercise may help us better manage stress, whereas building social support may help us experience less stress in the first place. Aerobic exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
It can act as a buffer against the physiological mechanisms of stress and enhance resilience to stressors, helping individuals to manage stress more effectively.
Moreover, there is evidence that physically fit individuals are more resistant to the adverse effects of stress and recover more quickly from it.
In contrast, building social support networks is vital in health and longevity and may contribute to experiencing less stress initially. Individuals with strong social connections experience better physical and mental health outcomes, and the presence of a supportive social network can provide a sense of belonging and contribute to a lower baseline stress level.