Summer 2022. Section F22
ENGL100. Assignment 3. (Group work) (15%)
Guidelines
1. Work in groups.
2. Read and analyze the given essay. Pay attention to the following features: title, unity,
coherence, specific support, methods of introduction and conclusion, method of text
organization, use of transitions, use of external sources.
3. Complete the Answer Sheet by answering questions about the essay that you read. Answer
for EACH question should be 60-80 words long. Each answer should be justified and
supported with examples from the essay.
4. Type your answers in the answer sheet.
5. Submit your work as a file on Moodle. The deadline to submit your work is 06 July at 23:59.
6. ONLY ONE member of the group should submit the Answer Sheet with answers.
Grading
Criteria Points
The submission is original (not copied) 10
The answer to the question is complete and well-justified. 10 for each question (1-9)
Total 100
Essay:
Effective Stress-coping Strategies
“You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to calm the mind, reduce stress and
improve your health” (Fiveson, 2021, p. 28). Negative emotions such as stress, anxiety and
depression are frequent visitors in everyone’s daily life. Today’s modern life and its many
challenges present men and women of all ages with a continuous barrage of stressors
everywhere they go; be it at home, school, college, or workplace. However, human beings are
not meant to endure long periods of negative emotions such as stress. It is, therefore, of
utmost importance that everyone learns how to cope with stress and manage it in the most
effective way possible. There are a number of practical ways to cope with stress, and they
generally fall under three main categories.
To begin with, physical stress-coping strategies are physical activities that can help
alleviate stress levels such as exercises and relaxation techniques. To begin with, strenuous
physical exercises are one of the most effective methods of relieving stress, restoring mental
balance, and gaining clarity. According to the American Heart Association (2021), just 30
minutes of taking a nap every day can dramatically improve mood, relax a person, and
tension. In a similar manner, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or yoga
have a calming effect on the mind and the body. Practicing relaxation techniques can help
people have clearer minds and a better chance of keeping stress out of their lives.
The second category of stress-coping strategies involves methods that relate to the
environment. Environmental strategies for stress-coping are directly related to the world
around us, such as taking long walks in nature under good weather or playing with house
pets. To elaborate, a very effective method of doing something for the environments is to
plant many trees. Moreover, taking a long walk plays an effective role in emptying the mind
of its troubles and helps to acquire a fresher perspective on matters. Therefore, a very
effective method of clearing one’s mind during stressful times is to go on a long walk in
nature.
Finally, the most important category of stress-coping mechanisms is cognitive
method. Cognitive mechanisms involve more serious strategies such as practicing
mindfulness and seeking professional therapy. Practicing mindfulness, which translates to
being aware of one’s inner thoughts and emotions, is considered to be one of the most
powerful cognitive techniques for emotion regulation. To clarify, when we are stressed,
taking a pause and examining our thoughts can greatly help calm us down as it disables our
flight, fight, or freeze responses allowing us to see more clearly and find solutions
(Mineo,2019).
In conclusion, whether one chooses to take a spa day or talk to a therapist, the
important thing is to relax and learn to overcome stressors in order to regain control over
one’s life instead of getting overwhelmed. In these times and ages, it is crucial that everyone
finds a healthy outlet for their stress relief to prevent using maladaptive coping mechanisms
which can be dangerous to mental health.
References
American Heart Association. (2021, October 20). Working out to relieve stress.
Retrieved April 11, 2022, from https://www.heart.org/en/healthyliving/healthy-
lifestyle/stress-management/working-out-to-relieve-stress
Fiveson, K. (2021). The Mindfulness experience: 8 strategies to live life now. Work
Mindfulness Institute.
Mineo, L. (2019, November 1). Less stress, clearer thoughts with mindfulness meditation.
Harvard Gazette. Retrieved April 11, 2022, from
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/less-stress-clearer-thoughts-
withmindfulness-meditation/