Mastering Stress: A Guide to Emotional Control

​In today's fast-paced world, it's common to feel overwhelmed and struggle with managing daily responsibilities. Stress can influence both our professional and personal lives, making it challenging to navigate conflicts in tense environments. This course provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to manage and resolve conflicts and stress.

​The new edition of the course “Stress and Conflict Management: the way to resilience and satisfaction​” took place in Palermo from 25/08/2024 to 31/08/2024. The participants came from all across Europe, with Zita Sedláková, from Slovakia, Saint Nicholas Catholic School; Anne-Maria Sassen, Kreisgymnasium St. Ursula, Germany; from Spain, Fèlix de Castro Ortin, Institut Joan Ramon Benaprès; from Istanbul Okan University, Turkey, İlkay Gök; Ekaterina Wadewitz from Oberschule Markranstädt, Germany and participants coming from Greece: Lena Tsagourni and Matthaios Parasyris, Heraklion Second Chance School.

Firstly, participants explored the concept of stress through group brainstorming sessions. They learned that stress arises from various sources, including physical, environmental, familial, or work-related factors. Interestingly, small amounts of stress can be beneficial, driving us to meet deadlines or achieve our goals. Participants were introduced to the distinction between Distress (negative stress) and Eustress (positive stress).

​Throughout the course, participants were provided with cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage workplace stress. Group activities helped them enhancing their planning and time management skills. Additionally, they practiced techniques like breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and visualization to better handle stressful situations.

​Empathy, a crucial skill in conflict resolution, was another key focus of the course. Participants discussed the challenges of displaying empathy, particularly when they haven't shared the same experiences as others. They learned how to differentiate empathy from other types of responses and practiced it during the course.

Effective communication is essential for conflict resolution. Participants explored different communication styles and engaged in group activities where they collaboratively resolved conflicts. Although conflict resolution can be challenging, this exercise demonstrated that it also offers opportunities for growth and learning, applicable in both workplace and educational settings.

With participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, the course fostered a rich exchange of experiences and insights. Most importantly, it reinforced that while everyone has the tools to manage stressful situations, conflicts can sometimes lead to positive outcomes. Both cultural activities and study in class helped them to get along at each other and enjoy their time in Palermo.

​Discover more about this course here.