Having enough time for self-care and well-being is very important for teachers: after all, the more relaxed and balanced they feel, the more effectively they can also engage their students!
And yet, finding this time can be difficult, as teachers must divide their energy between lesson planning, grading papers, and all the hard hours of teaching – not to mention the even hardest requirement of school meetings!
Fortunately, there exist effective strategies to manage stress, and thus reduce burnout, together with other mental health issues, and improve health, happiness, and effectiveness at work.
As a participant in this very practical course, you will learn what causes stress, how our bodies and minds respond to it, and how we can combat and revert its effects.
You will focus on how to strengthen your body through improved sleep, nutrition, and exercise. And you will make practical exercises to improve mental health and well-being through stress reduction and resiliency-building.
The rich background of the trainer (trained as both a medical doctor and an educator) will help you dive deep into the topics, based on research strategies to relieve stress and supported by evidence-based medicine.
By the end of the course, you will have not only acquired the theoretical bases for a healthy life but also have experienced and practiced concrete tools to improve your personal well-being, as well as that of your students.
Master some basic concepts of physiology and psychology (e.g., stress, wellness, burnout);
Understand the causes of stress reaction and the effects of stress on the body and the mind;
Discover the eight dimensions of wellness;
Evaluate and manage their own wellness;
Relieve stress and anxiety on a day-to-day basis with practical tips and tools;
Improve one’s sleep and nutrition through simple tips and small lifestyle changes;
Practice simple exercises for relaxation and well-being from mindfulness, yoga, and positive psychology;
Apply basic strategies for burnout prevention.
Tentative Schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to stress management
Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
Getting to know each other and icebreaker activities;
Identification of learning needs and goals;
Presentations of participants, their schools, and the trainer;
Introducing basic terms: stress, wellness, illness, and their impact on teaching.
Day 2 – Understanding stress
Eustress vs. distress (short-term and long-term stress);
The physiological and mental impact of stress;
Stress prevention;
Burnout questionnaire, signs of burnout;
Coping strategies and stress “first aid”.
Wellness
Understanding the concept of wellness continuum by John Travis;
Evaluating your own 8 dimensions of wellness.
Day 3 – Breathing and relaxation techniques
Understanding the importance and physiological impact of relaxation techniques;
Anti-stress and anti-anxiety breathing;
Box breathing, activating diaphragm;
Jacobson (progressive muscle) relaxation;
Autogenic training.
Simple exercise for school breaks
Office yoga;
Stretching;
Simple tips for involving more movement in your life.
Day 4 – Improving your sleep to improve your wellness
How sleep influences our health, memory, and cognitive functions;
20 tips for better sleep quality;
Daily routines and habits for better sleep;
How to help your students sleep better.
Nutrition for stress periods
Understanding the different nutrition needs in stress;
Macro and micronutrients;
Ideal dietary regimens for different body types;
Vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements to combat stress;
Healthy snacks and lunches for busy school days.
Day 5 – Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Addressing the unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to decrease stress;
Mindfulness meditation;
Practical experience and tips for practicing at school and at home.
Building emotional resilience
Recognizing, labeling, and understanding emotions;
Practicing gratitude, perspective, and complex view;
Self-belief, self-compassion, and motivation;
Positive psychology.
Day 6 – Course closure & cultural activities
Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
Excursion and other external cultural activities.
Dates and locations
You can register for any date, even if it's not yet confirmed, especially if you're interested in courses several weeks away. Once we have a few more enrollments, we will confirm the date. If we are unable to confirm it, we will offer you alternative options.
A Rome 48-hour pass
-> Free access to your first museum or cultural activity
-> Reduced tickets to all other attractions
-> Free access to the city’s public transport
A visit to the surroundings of Trapani includes one of the following options:
-> A boat trip to the islands
-> Excursion to Marsala with wine-tasting
-> Excursion to Palermo
OID: E10166501480€*
*A 60 € late registration fee will be applied if you register less than 8 weeks before the course start date. All prices are VAT included or not due.
Combine a confirmed date of this course with a confirmed date of another course and easily create a two week course by yourself. Start selecting one confirmed date of this course and see which other courses are confirmed in the same Academy the previous week and the following week.
Reviews about this course
Tanja Laaksofrom Finland
The exercises included in the course, such as yoga, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices, were not only enjoyable but also provided a much-needed sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. These activities contributed to a well-rounded learning experience, promoting overall well-being and balance. Additionally, the discourse with fellow participants proved to be incredibly rewarding, as we exchanged ideas, insights, and experiences, further enriching our learning journey. It was a holistic and rewarding experience for both mind and body.
Josipa Curićfrom Croatia
The course covered a wide range of diverse and varied topics, which made the learning experience engaging and enriching. Moreover, I had the opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and expanding my professional network. The interesting activities incorporated throughout the course further enhanced my understanding and practical application of the topics. It was a well-rounded and fulfilling learning journey.
Esmee Leijtenfrom Germany
The inclusion of practical exercises such as yoga and sound healing was a standout aspect of the course. These activities provided a valuable opportunity to prioritize self-care and well-being. Taking the time for oneself through these exercises allowed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and a deeper connection with mind and body. It was a nurturing and enriching experience that emphasized the importance of self-care in the teaching profession.