As you are keenly aware, managing family life, academic life and work life can be very stressful for students. Imagine you are presenting information to new college students who could be 18-year-old new high school graduates, adult (over 25) students, second degree students (they are changing their career field entirely and are seeking a second degree), or transfer students (transferring to NOVA).
Part One:
1. Using the learning materials provided for the Stress Management topic, create a presentation that includes the following:
Title
Explanation of stress that includes: definition of stress, examples of symptoms, examples of stressors, and the impact of chronic stress using the learning materials.
Three detailed techniques or strategies for dealing with stress from the learning materials.
All sources used are cited per the citing sources via the Library Resources in the course menu.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Managing Stress in College: Strategies for Success
Introduction:
Welcome, new college students! As you embark on this exciting journey, it is important to recognize that managing family life, academic life, and work life can be overwhelming at times. This presentation aims to equip you with essential tools and strategies for dealing with stress effectively. Let’s dive into the world of stress management!
Understanding Stress:
Definition of Stress:
Stress can be defined as the body’s response to any demand or pressure placed upon it. It is a natural reaction that activates the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, preparing us to face challenges or threats. However, prolonged exposure to stress can have adverse effects on our physical and mental well-being.
Examples of Symptoms:
Stress can manifest itself in various ways, both physically and emotionally. Common symptoms of stress may include:
Physical symptoms: headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems.
Emotional symptoms: irritability, anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of overwhelm.
Examples of Stressors:
Stressors are the specific events or situations that trigger stress. They can vary from person to person, but common stressors in college life may include:
Academic pressure: exams, deadlines, and heavy workloads.
Financial concerns: tuition fees, student loans, and managing expenses.
Balancing responsibilities: juggling family commitments, part-time work, and social life.
Transition and adjustment: adapting to a new environment, making new friends, and facing new academic challenges.
Impact of Chronic Stress:
Chronic stress, if left unmanaged, can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. It may lead to increased risk of heart disease, weakened immune system, anxiety disorders, depression, and academic burnout. Learning effective stress management strategies is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in college life.
Techniques for Dealing with Stress:
Technique 1: Time Management
Effective time management is key to reducing stress and achieving academic and personal goals. Some strategies to consider include:
Prioritization: Identify the most important tasks and tackle them first.
Break tasks into smaller steps: Breaking down larger tasks into manageable chunks helps avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Create a schedule: Use a planner or digital tools to allocate time for different activities, ensuring a balance between academics, work, and personal life.
Avoid procrastination: Start tasks early to alleviate last-minute stress.
Technique 2: Self-Care and Relaxation Techniques
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for managing stress. Consider incorporating the following practices into your routine:
Exercise regularly: Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress.
Practice mindfulness or meditation: These techniques help calm the mind, improve focus, and reduce anxiety.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind.
Engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy: Finding time for activities you love can provide a much-needed break and rejuvenate your spirit.
Technique 3: Seek Support and Build Connections
Building a support network is essential for managing stress effectively. Consider the following strategies:
Connect with peers: Join clubs or organizations that align with your interests to meet like-minded individuals.
Seek guidance from professors or advisors: They can provide valuable advice and support when facing academic challenges.
Utilize campus resources: Many colleges offer counseling services, wellness programs, and support groups for students dealing with stress or mental health concerns.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, managing stress in college is crucial for your overall well-being and success. By understanding the definition of stress, recognizing its symptoms and common stressors, and acknowledging the impact of chronic stress, you can take proactive steps towards managing it effectively. Incorporating techniques such as time management, self-care practices, and seeking support will help you navigate the challenges of college life with resilience and success. Remember, you are not alone in this journey – reach out for support when needed. Best of luck on your college adventure.
