Learn how to manage stress by controlling your emotions

Nowadays it is easy to feel overwhelmed and to think that we cannot manage our daily tasks. Stressful situations can manifest themselves both in our professional and personal life and it can be difficult to avoid conflict when we find ourselves in a stressful environment. In this course the participants had the opportunity, through theory and practical activities, to learn about the tools to manage and overcome conflict and stressful situations. 

​The new edition of the course “Stress and Conflict Management: the way to resilience and satisfaction” took place in Bologna from 12/05/2024 to 18/05/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Emilia and Iina from Kempeleen Lukio in Finland, Tatjana, Gordana and Roza from SUGSG 'Rade Jovchevski-Korchagin' in North Macedonia, and participants coming from two different Portuguese schools: Bruno, Maria, Catarina and Marisa from Agrupamento de Escolas de Anadia and Rita from CEFAD. There were also Constantinos from B' TESEK in Cyprus, Mirta from RGO College in the Netherlands and Aivars from Center for Lifelong Learning of Rezekne Academy of Technologies in Latvia. Finally there were also two more participants from two different schools in Finland: Paula from Tampereen Seudun Työväenopisto and Jussi from Omnia. 

On the first day participants reflected on the meaning of the word stress by brainstorming in groups. Stress is caused by a series of stressors that can be related to many factors: physical, environmental, family-related or work-related. However, small amounts of stress can also have positive outcomes and push us to achieve our goals or to respect a deadline for example. For this reason the participants learnt to distinguish between Distress (negative) and Eustress (positive). 

During this course the participants learnt about a series of strategies, both cognitive and behavioral, designed to overcome stressful situations in the workplace. Through group activities they had the opportunity to increase their planning and time management skills. Participants every morning, before starting the lesson, also practice a five minute everyday meditation which helps to reduce anxiety and improve focus, in order to manage stress situations better. 

​Another topic that was discussed during the course was empathy, which is a fundamental skill when it comes to dealing with conflicts. It can be tricky sometimes to show an empathic response, especially when we haven’t experienced the same feeling as the person in front of us. However, it is possible to practice it and the participants learnt how to distinguish it from other types of responses. 

The last topic that was considered was mindfulness, that is the practice of being fully present and observing thoughts and experiences without judgment. It improves attention, self-awareness and emotional control. Mindfulness-based stress reduction is widely used for managing stress and mental health. Participants also practiced with mindfulness exercises and meditations. This type of exercise helps individuals become more aware of their senses, thoughts, and emotions, fostering a greater sense of presence and mindfulness. 

​Since participants came from different cultural backgrounds, it was an opportunity for them to confront themselves with each other and learn from their shared experiences. More importantly, this course showed them that not only they have the tools to deal with stressful situations, but that they are not alone when it comes to building a more stress-resilient lifestyle.

Discover more about this course here.