We are pleased to announce the release of the LESs Stress methodology. This methodology is the tangible result of the international project LESs Stress, which is being implemented thanks to the Erasmus+ program.
Who is the LESs Stress methodology intended for?
The methodology is primarily intended for youth workers. This includes formal and informal educators, extracurricular activity leaders, school psychologists, and social workers, who will receive detailed instructions on how to conduct a two-day outdoor course.
Ultimately, however, the methodology will benefit young people (aged approximately 14–20) themselves, especially high school students.
Why is the LESs Stress methodology important and what does it address?
The methodology was developed in response to three alarming facts confirmed by numerous expert studies:
- The alarming state of young people's mental health. Young people are currently spending more and more time in front of screens, which, combined with high academic demands, leads to increased stress and anxiety.
- People's alienation from nature. Disconnection from the natural environment is one of the factors that increase stress and weaken mental health.
- The positive impact of nature on human health. Scientific studies have confirmed that spending time in natural environments reduces stress hormone levels, improves mood, and enhances mental well-being.
The aim of the methodology is to contribute to better mental health among young people and to promote their positive relationship with nature. It offers them a way back – to nature, to themselves, and to simple techniques that will help them cope with everyday pressures. The project also aims to promote the relationship between people and nature – if people know that nature supports their mental health, they will naturally be more interested in protecting it.
What will you find in the methodology?
Instructors will receive a detailed description of the two-day course, which is designed as an outdoor activity. All activities take place outdoors in nature whenever possible, as the creators believe in the positive impact of the natural environment on relaxation and regeneration.
The methodology is structured into seven modules that logically follow on from each other. Although the creators recommend using it as a whole (two-day course), it can also be used in parts – you can choose individual modules or activities according to the current needs of the group.
Young people (course participants) will learn simple but effective nature therapy techniques. During the course, they will learn practical eco-therapeutic tools for better stress management in a playful way and gain basic theoretical information about mental health, stress, and the positive effects of nature on mental health. The methodology is based on the principles of experiential education, which builds on personal experience, active participation, and reflection.
Excerpt from the methodology: Breath of the Ocean
As bonus material, the methodology also includes practical anti-stress techniques inspired by nature, which the instructor can use at any time during the course, for example to reduce tension. One of these techniques is Ocean Breath. Breathing is one of the most powerful tools influencing our body and mind. Ocean Breath helps to quickly reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and promote concentration. Ocean Breath helps to quickly reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and promote concentration.
This technique involves visualization and conscious work with the breath. After assuming a comfortable position, participants focus on their breathing, which is guided by the instructor. It involves a long inhalation through the nose and an even longer exhalation through a slightly open mouth accompanied by a "sssh" sound reminiscent of the sound of the sea. Participants can visualize themselves sitting on the shore of the ocean, where with each breath they gain peace and energy, and with each exhalation the waves carry away the tension from their bodies.
This simple tool is easily accessible anytime, anywhere—before a difficult exam or during a stressful situation.
Join us in spreading the importance of nature for mental well-being!
It is also available in Czech🇨🇿 and Slovak🇸🇰
The LESs Stress methodology has been tested three times in practice with high school students (including J. M. Hurban High School in Čadca) and youth workers, and is thus tailored to the needs of the target group.
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact the creators of the methodology via the website www.less-stress.cz . You can also find them on social networks (FB, IG) under the name LESs Stress Centre. When sharing your experiences and insights on social media, use the hashtags #lessstress and #less-stress.
