Cultivating Mental Resilience: Strategies for Well-being

Course overview

This comprehensive 5-day course is designed to empower participants with a deep understanding of mental health and equip them with practical strategies to cultivate mental resilience and overall well-being. Through a holistic approach, participants will explore the multifaceted aspects of mental health, dispel myths, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.

The course will delve into the concept of mental health, examining common mental health disorders, their symptoms, and the importance of early recognition and intervention. Participants will gain insights into the contributing factors and prevalence of mental health challenges, fostering a compassionate and informed perspective.

Emphasis will be placed on developing personalized self-care strategies and effective stress management techniques. Participants will learn to identify stress triggers, understand the impact of stress on mental health, and acquire practical tools such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and time management strategies to cope with everyday challenges.

Building resilience and cultivating emotional intelligence will be key components of the course. Participants will explore strategies for positive thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, while also developing skills in self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal relationships. These competencies will empower participants to navigate life’s adversities with greater ease and foster a sense of mental resilience.

The course will also focus on enhancing self-esteem and nurturing positive relationships. Participants will learn techniques for building and maintaining healthy self-esteem, as well as effective communication skills and conflict resolution strategies. These skills will contribute to fostering meaningful connections and maintaining positive relationships in both personal and professional contexts.

To provide a holistic learning experience and incorporate a green dimension, the course will include a guided cultural visit to a local museum, heritage site, or eco-conscious initiative. This visit will allow participants to explore the cultural richness of the area, draw inspiration from nature, and gain insights into sustainable practices that can contribute to overall well-being.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Understanding mental health and its importance

Icebreakers and networking activities
Introduction to the course and participants
Overview of the course methodology and expectations
Defining mental health: Myths, stigma, and realities
Common mental health disorders: Symptoms, causes, and prevalence
Recognizing the importance of mental health awareness
Group activity: Breaking mental health stereotypes

Day 2: Self-care and stress management techniques

Self-care strategies: Physical, emotional, and psychological
Understanding stress: Types, triggers, and effects on mental health
Stress management techniques: Relaxation, mindfulness, and time management

Day 3: Building resilience and emotional intelligence

Resilience-building strategies: Positive thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability
Developing emotional intelligence: Recognizing and managing emotions
Enhancing self-awareness and self-regulation
Reflection activities and discussion on ways how to cope with mental health stress and challenges at the workplace

Day 4: Nurturing self-esteem, relationships, and nature connection

Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English
Recognizing the importance of the environment and nature in mental health of the individual
Understanding self-esteem: Factors, influences, and impacts on mental health
Strategies for building and maintaining healthy self-esteem
Nurturing positive relationships: Communication skills, boundaries, and conflict resolution

Day 5: Developing a personalized action plan for mental resilience

Reflection and integration: Reviewing learning and identifying personal growth areas
Developing personalized action plans for mental resilience and well-being
Group review and feedback
Course evaluation and feedback
Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

Analyze the concept of mental health, dispelling myths and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Evaluate the importance of mental health awareness in personal and professional settings.
Identify common mental health disorders and their symptoms, contributing to early recognition and intervention.
Develop personalized self-care strategies to promote mental well-being in their daily lives.
Apply effective stress management techniques to cope with everyday challenges and reduce the negative impact on mental health.
Enhance their emotional intelligence, demonstrating self-awareness, self-regulation, and effective interpersonal relationships.
Construct strategies to enhance self-esteem and cultivate a positive self-image, fostering mental resilience and well-being.
Utilize effective communication skills and conflict resolution techniques to build and maintain positive relationships in personal and professional contexts.
Formulate personalized action plans with specific goals and strategies for cultivating mental resilience and implementing self-help practices in their lives.
Integrate cultural elements and inspiration from local heritage and nature into their mental well-being practices.
Evaluate the impact of sustainable practices on overall well-being and develop strategies to incorporate eco-friendly habits into their daily lives.

Course fee:

400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

At least 25 hours of course content;
Course materials;
Certificate of participation;
Europass, on request;
Learning / Mobility Agreement;
Visits to local institutions, if available;
Personalized support;
Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
Refreshments;
Administration costs;
Dissemination materials.

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