Which of the following words will fit in the given blank (C)?

The following passage contains 5 blanks. Choose the most appropriate word from the options given for each blank to make the passage meaningful.

In today's fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of life. While some amount of stress is _________________ (A) for motivation and productivity, chronic stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health. It is important to ________________ (B) strategies to manage stress effectively. These may include regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature. Social support from friends and family can also help ______________ (C) stress levels. Additionally, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding _______________ (D) substances such as alcohol and tobacco can help in managing stress. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor may also be _________________ (E) in some cases.

The correct answer is decrease.

Step 1: Analyze the Context of the Passage
The given passage discusses managing stress and reducing its negative impact on physical and mental health. The sentence containing blank (C) reads: "Social support from friends and family can also help ______________ (C) stress levels."

Step 2: Evaluate the Options
Let's look at the given options to see which word logically fits the blank:
1. decrease: To make or become smaller or fewer. Having social support helps to lower or reduce stress levels, which makes logical sense in the context of stress management.
2. increase: To make larger or greater. Social support is beneficial, so it would not raise or increase stress levels.
3. maintain: To keep something at its current level. The goal of healthy coping mechanisms is to reduce stress, not keep it high.
4. control: While social support helps manage stress, the word "decrease" directly complements the beneficial outcome of reducing stress levels alongside options like exercise and meditation.

Step 3: Conclusion
Therefore, the word decrease fits most appropriately in blank (C) to complete the sentence meaningfully.