Intelligent ascent and surface procedures can help you prevent stress at the end of the dive. These include:

Intelligent ascent and surface procedures are crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of a diver at the end of a dive. The inclusion of controlling ascents, having a reserve of air, and managing equipment all play a vital role in stress prevention.

Controlling your ascent and stopping at 15 feet for 3 to 5 minutes allows for off-gassing nitrogen that may have accumulated in the body, significantly reducing the risk of decompression sickness. This safety stop serves as a buffer that helps in regularizing one's physiological state before reaching the surface.

Planning to end your dive with 500 psi ensures that divers have adequate air reserves for safety stops and emergency situations. This intrinsic planning reduces anxiety and the stress that can come from running low on air during return to the surface.

Ditching extra handheld equipment that creates drag is also a prudent measure. Reducing equipment load can make ascents more manageable and less strenuous, further alleviating physical stress.

All these actions collectively contribute to a safer and less stressful return to the surface, making the comprehensive approach in the correct answer especially beneficial for divers.