Manage MEntal health - Daily reports

Day 1: 21st may 2025

We start the daily activity with introduction to the MMH project and answering the self evaluation questionnaire.

We had a session with energised, and ice breaker games, in order to get to know each other, name games and speed meetings helping us become a team.

In the afternoon we discussed about what Erasmus + is and all it includes ( ESC, youth exchanges, training courses,…) and youthpass is.

We discussed about the youth workers competences, known as YOCOMO and we divided in groups of 2-3 people, where each group picked one competences in order to present it to everyone, discussing the 4 parts: knowledge, skills, attitude and behaviours.

We finish the day with an evaluation in a circle, discussing which animal we would feel like today and why. The activities brought us together aligned with the values and spirit of the Erasmus + values.

Day 2: 22nd May 2025

In the morning had alpaka teraphy.

Today’s program focused on the theme of “Trust Your Colleagues,” during which we engaged in several trust-based exercises. These included allowing ourselves to be guided by a partner while our eyes were closed, guiding others in return, and supporting one another in unexpected situations. These activities were designed to strengthen trust both individually and within the group, especially in moments of stress.

Later in the day, we explored several key elements that can help in managing stress effectively. These included food, movement, relationships, and connection with nature. Participants shared how these resources play a role in their own lives and how they contribute to well-being.

We also discussed the concept of stress and its different types, such as existential stress, work-related stress, academic stress, and personal stress. Through group discussions, we examined how long these types of stress can last, who they affect, and how they impact overall quality of life.

The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants had the opportunity to evaluate their personal insights and group experiences. This phase of the program was especially valuable for deepening our understanding of stress management strategies.

Day 3: 23rd of May

In to the morning we started the day with a yoga session, it was accessible for everyone and very relieving, we did a kind of circuit and then when finished lying on the floor. It was an emotional relieving experience.

We worked on priorities, motivations, and values, which allowed us to identify each element and extract the most important ones, helping us understand what matters most to us. This work was an intense introspection into our deepest aspirations.

Conflict types and conflict management:

We have discussed the conflict and the conflict types and sub types as a term. We have noticed that conflict may be relative. Moreover some participants gave examples using their theatrical skills for us to deepen in the topic more.

We had a role game to implement the conflict management. By doing this game we had the chance to experience in first person how diferent roles can be usefull in orther to solve “real” conflicts.

And in the end we did had Icebreg reflection method when we had to think about what we have learn so far.

It was a productive day.

Day 4: 24 of May

Today felt like a turning point in our training journey — a day full of deep reflection, honest connection, and beautiful peer-led moments.

We started the day diving into body work methods, where the focus was not just on movement, but on vulnerability. Through simple yet powerful exercises, we explored the discomfort of being seen — of exposing our true selves. We shared openly about the fear of judgment, both from others and from within ourselves. It was emotional and raw, but incredibly freeing.

Midday, we had our mid-term evaluation, which gave us a chance to step back and observe our process so far. We shared what’s working well, where we feel growth, and what could be improved in the next few days. It was really empowering to feel heard and know that our feedback matters.

We also learned about the "sandwich method" of giving feedback — starting with something positive, then adding constructive input, and ending with encouragement. It felt like a very useful tool, not only for the training space but also for our daily lives and work with young people.

The second part of the day was magical — a series of voluntary activities organized by fellow participants. It was inspiring to see each other step into facilitator roles and share our passions:

🧘‍♂️ David guided us through a meditation session (20–30 minutes). His calm voice and presence helped us ground ourselves and reconnect with the earth. It was exactly what we needed — a moment of silence and rootedness in the middle of a busy program.

🎨 Olivia invited us into a unique artistic activity with the aim to “find meaning in meaningless things.” It sparked our creativity and reminded us how powerful it can be to let go of control and simply express.

💛 Andreea led a heartwarming session on appreciation and gratitude — towards ourselves, others, and life itself. Many of us were touched by the reflections and small exercises she prepared. It was a gentle, emotional reminder to acknowledge how far we’ve come — not just in the training, but in our personal journeys too.

Today felt like a mix of structure and flow, depth and lightness. I feel more connected to the group, to myself, and to the purpose behind what we’re doing here.

Can’t wait to see what Day 5 brings.

Day 5: 25 of May

Today was originally planned as a visit to a Resilience Center in Riga — but, as life sometimes does, things changed last minute. The meeting was canceled unexpectedly, and instead, we were gifted something rare in a training course: time.

What started as a logistical hiccup turned into a beautiful day of self-reflection, exploration, and connection.

We were encouraged to use this day intentionally — to reflect on our learning journey so far, process the emotional intensity of the past days, and spend time reconnecting with ourselves and with others outside the training environment.

Some of us found quiet corners in cafes, journaling and sketching thoughts about what this training has stirred within us. Others wandered the charming streets of Old Riga, soaking in the architecture, the energy, and the summer sunlight.

It was a welcome reminder that resilience doesn’t always come from structure — sometimes it shows up when plans change, and we adapt with grace.

The city itself became our classroom today. Whether it was deep conversations over coffee, quiet personal moments by the Daugava River, or spontaneous laughter in the cobbled streets, Riga gave us space to breathe, reflect, and just be.

Some of us even shared that this pause helped us digest the more emotional and challenging parts of the training so far. After days of inner work, grounding, and opening up, today was a gentle landing.

While we missed the planned session, what we gained was equally valuable — and in true non-formal education spirit, we made meaning out of the unexpected.

Day 6: My 26th

Today was all about learning to regulate ourselves — and beginning to step into the role of facilitators.

We started the day with a powerful breathwork exercise, focused on calming anxiety and anchoring ourselves in the present moment. The session was gentle but deeply effective. You could really feel the shift in the group’s energy — more grounded, more focused, more connected to the moment.

Afterward, we discussed a surprisingly relatable and practical situation:
🛒 How to calm a child having a meltdown in a supermarket using breathwork tools.

It sparked some great reflections and sharing. We talked about:

Modeling calmness ourselves
Co-regulating with the child through slow breathing
Using simple language and non-verbal connection

It reminded us that breathwork isn’t just for us — it’s something we can pass on, especially in our work with young people.

Afternoon: It’s Our Turn!

In the second half of the day, the energy shifted — from reflection to creation.

We split into four working groups, each tasked with designing and preparing a workshop to deliver on Day 7, as part of our Skill-Sharing Sessions.

Each group focused on one of the four main themes:

Stress Management Techniques
Emotional Regulation
Self-Care Routines and Rituals
Burnout Prevention

The afternoon was full of energy, creativity, and teamwork. Ideas flowed freely — from interactive games and reflection exercises to artistic and movement-based activities.

It felt empowering to move from participants to facilitators, applying everything we’ve learned so far and shaping it into meaningful, practical sessions for our peers.

We're excited (and a bit nervous!) to lead tomorrow — but mostly proud. This is what non-formal education is all about: learning by doing, growing by sharing.

Day 7: 27 of May

Everyone split into 4 groups and worked together to deliver a workshop on a given topic.

The day started with the first team organizing activities regarding the “Self-care routines and rituals” topic. We had an open discussion where everyone shared a self-care habit that they do daily. Then we reflected on the type of person we would like to become and what kind of self-care habits would that person have, and everyone was asked to think of a small thing they could do even starting today in order to be one step closer to that image of themselves.

The second team delivered a workshop about “Burnout prevention”. We took noted individually about what makes us experience burnout and how it feels when crossing the line. The team presented tools that help prevent burnout and we also discussed other types of tools that are more personalized for each individual. Later, we gathered into pairs of 2 and we had to share our feelings when we experience burnout with our partner and they had to listen, then we switched roles. It was a very touching experience where we connected with another participant on a deeper level.

The third team prepared a workshop about “Emotional regulation” which began with a dance to energize us after the afternoon. During this activity, a signal to stop is given along with the name of an emotion and we had to freeze and express that emotion using body language to others. Many of us realized that we don’t really know how to express our emotions. After that, we were presented with a series of tools and tips to regulate our emotions and we ended the session with another activity where we had to team up and prepare a short scene as actors. For this, we received a paper describing the specific scenario which we will be taking part in, and we had to resolve the conflict in the scene using emotional regulation techniques and end on a positive note

The fourth and final group addressed stress management. They introduced the topic briefly before demonstrating three stress-relief techniques: breathwork combined with vocalization, popping balloons to symbolically release emotions, and partner massage exercises for those comfortable with physical touch. These practical tools invited everyone to engage actively and mindfully.

Each workshop concluded with a round of feedback and advice from peers and facilitators to support group reflection and improvement.

In the evening, the group came together to celebrate Marta’s birthday a joyful and festive end to a meaningful and collaborative day.

Day 8: 28 of May

Today was unlike any other — creative, dynamic, and full of laughter (and a little bit of stress, ironically!).

We kicked off the morning with an introduction to the day’s challenge: to work in groups and create a short movie or graphic poster focused on stress relief. Each group was encouraged to share key messages from the training in a creative, visual way — something that could be shared and used even after the project ends.

We worked using the CANVA platform and our own cameras and phones, combining ideas, energy, and plenty of improvisation. From scripting and storyboarding to filming and editing, it was an intense yet exciting process. The whole day flew by as we shot scenes, edited clips, and supported each other’s visions. Some groups used humor, others went for deeper emotional storytelling — but all managed to bring out key elements from our journey.

🎞️ By evening, the anticipation was high as we gathered for our very own Oscar Ceremony.
We watched each other’s creations, applauded, laughed, and even got emotional. Awards were given for the most creative concept, best acting, strongest message, and more — and everyone felt seen and appreciated.

🌙 After the Oscars, the night flowed into singing, deep conversations, and heartfelt reflections. We talked about what we learned throughout the day — not just about filming or editing, but about working together under pressure, telling meaningful stories, and expressing what we’ve experienced through creative language.

It was a celebration of learning, connection, and collective creativity — and a perfect way to begin wrapping up this incredible journey.

The videos are avaliable here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeZWvRaCrvTh7Oz1B4Sk5Ie-VNcL1PC9A&si=0kiOqLa_2URtL-n0

Day 9: 29 of May

Our final full day together began with a mix of reflection, logistics, and emotional preparation for the end of this beautiful journey. In the morning, we gathered as a group to arrange transportation details and support each other with practical things like airport rides — simple, but meaningful moments that reminded us how connected we've become.

Afterwards, we moved into a session focused on method adaptation. We explored how the techniques and practices we’ve experienced — from stress management and breathwork to emotional regulation and self-care rituals — can be adjusted and used in our own youth work back home. It was inspiring to hear everyone's ideas on how to make these methods culturally and age-appropriate for the different groups we work with. Many of us found tools we feel confident implementing in our own communities.

Later, we dove into dissemination planning. In smaller groups, we discussed concrete ways to share what we’ve learned with others: Who will we reach? Where and when will it happen? How many people will we involve? What formats or tools will we use?

Ideas included:

Hosting follow-up workshops or sharing circles with local youth workers
Creating content like social media posts, podcasts, and short videos
Sharing resources via local organizations and partner networks

We also reflected on the importance of visibility — properly acknowledging our sponsors and supporters, including the Erasmus+ Programme, Do Great Things Latvia, and all partner organizations that made this possible. Their support created this space for learning and connection, and now it’s our role to keep the ripple going.

In the final part of the day, we came together one last time to reflect on our learning outcomes and exchange some warm, kind words. Many participants shared how much they’ve grown personally, not just in terms of knowledge, but in confidence, emotional awareness, and connection to others. We celebrated the new tools we’re bringing home — but also the friendships, the moments of vulnerability, and the breakthroughs that happened quietly between sessions.

This wasn’t just a training — it was a space for transformation. Now, we return to our communities not just with notes and photos, but with real, embodied experiences that we’ll carry into our everyday lives and work.

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