Nowadays, it is common to feel overwhelmed and struggle to handle our daily responsibilities. Stress can arise in both our personal and professional lives, making it challenging to prevent or manage conflicts in tense environments. Throughout this course, participants explored theoretical concepts and engaged in practical activities to develop tools and strategies for effectively managing and overcoming conflict and stressful situations.
La nueva edición del curso “Stress and Conflict Management: the way to resilience and satisfaction” took place in Tenerife from 02/11/2025 to 08/11/2025. This time, the participants represented a diverse group of schools and organizations from across Europe. From Cyprus, Zena and Maria joined us from Kalogeropoulou Gymnasium. Italy was represented by two institutions: Geko Viaggi, with participants Anania, Nicole, Maria, and Alessandra, and Istituto Superiore Kandinsky, represented by Sabina and Angela. Also from Italy, IC Don Milani di Aquileia took part, with Antonella and Alice attending. From Finland, we welcomed Emilia from Omnia, the Joint Authority of Education in Espoo Region, and from Germany, Holger and Katarzyna represented the Integrierte Gesamtschule Fürstenau.

On the first day, participants explored the concept of estrés through group brainstorming activities, reflecting on what the term means to them personally and professionally. They discussed how stress can stem from various sources — physical, environmental, family-related, or work-related factors. However, they also discovered that not all stress is harmful; in fact, a moderate level of stress can have positive effects, motivating us to reach goals or meet deadlines. Therefore, participants learned to differentiate between Angustia (negative stress) and Eustrés (positive stress).

During the course, participants explored a variety of cognitive and behavioural strategies aimed at managing and overcoming stress in the workplace. Through collaborative group activities, they enhanced their planning and time management abilities, learning how effective organization can reduce tension. To further improve their stress management skills, they also practiced breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, and visualization exercises, helping them develop practical tools to maintain calm and focus in challenging situations.

Another key topic addressed during the course was empatía, a fundamental skill for effectively managing and resolving conflicts. Participants discussed how demonstrating empathy can sometimes be challenging, especially when we haven’t personally experienced the emotions of the other person. Nonetheless, they learned that empathy can be developed and practiced, and they explored how to recognize and differentiate empathic responses from other types of reactions in communication.

To effectively resolve conflicts, it is essential to develop strong communication skills. During the course, participants explored various communication styles and took part in a group activity where each member contributed to solving a simulated conflict. While they recognized that resolving disagreements can be challenging, the exercise also showed how such situations can become valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. The strategies practiced can be applied not only in the workplace but also in the classroom, fostering a more cooperative and understanding environment.

The final topic explored during the course was mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and observing one’s thoughts and experiences without judgment. Mindfulness helps enhance focus, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, y mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques are widely recognized for their effectiveness in managing stress and improving mental well-being. Participants engaged in mindfulness exercises and guided meditations, which allowed them to become more aware of their senses, thoughts, and emotions, cultivating a deeper sense of calm and presence.

Because participants came from orígenes culturales diversos, the course also provided a valuable opportunity for intercultural exchange and mutual learning through shared experiences. Most importantly, they discovered that they not only possess the tools to handle stressful situations effectively, but also that conflict can sometimes lead to positive growth and understanding when approached constructively.

Más información sobre este curso aquí.