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 24/08/2025 to 30/08/2025. The participants came from across Europe, with Michael from vhs Aschaffenburg, Eric from 107. Oberschule, and Martin from Ernst Reinstorf Schule in Germany. From the Czech Republic came Hana and Iveta from Právě teď! o.p.s., while Konstantina represented the Environmental Education of Vamos in Greece.

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 behavioural, designed to overcome stressful situations in the workplace. Through group activities they had the opportunity to increase their planning and time management skills. In order to manage stressful situations better they practiced breathing exercises, muscle relaxation and visualisation.
​
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.

In order to solve conflicts it is necessary to know how to communicate effectively. The participants discovered the different communication styles and were asked to do a group activity in which each member had to contribute in resolving a conflict. Although it can be difficult to solve a conflict, as this activity demonstrated, the team members saw how this situation could also be an opportunity to grow and learn. This method can also be applied to a workplace and a classroom.

​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 for dealing with stressful situations, but that sometimes there can also be a positive outcome from an existing conflict.

Discover more about this course here.