ERASMUS+ COURSE Zadar, Croatia 15-20 July 2024 InNature Academy
Erasmus Training Course on Burnout Prevention Through Mindfulness, Art, and Nature Held in Zadar
From July 15 to 21, 2024, the Erasmus training course “Burnout Prevention Through Mindfulness, Art, and Nature,” organized by InNature Academy, took place in the scenic city of Zadar. The course provided teachers with a week of relaxation and learning, focusing on innovative techniques to manage stress and prevent burnout.
Participants engaged in a variety of activities designed to promote relaxation and creativity. They explored different art techniques and participated in workshops set in nature, enhancing their mindfulness practices. Interactive lectures on stress management offered insights into practical strategies for coping with stress, with teachers sharing their personal experiences and challenges faced in their professional lives.
Activities and trips
The cultural aspect of the course was equally enriching. Participants toured the historic city of Zadar with the help of a local guide, Luca. Highlights included a visit to the Museum of Ancient Glass, where they observed glass-blowing demonstrations and toured the museum’s exhibitions. The group also enjoyed a boat trip to the nearby island of Ugljan, exploring its history and the town of Preko. They swam, visited the small island Galešnik with its monastery, and played the traditional Dalmatian game of Balota on the smallest inhabitated island of Ošjak, also known as Lazaret.
Evaluation
An anonymous evaluation at the end of the course revealed high levels of satisfaction among the participants, who unanimously awarded the program the highest rating.
Here are some comments from the participants:
„Reducing your stress level is very simple and does not require much financial outlay. I learned that all you need to do is look around you and focus on the little things that will trigger your creativity. High competence of the instructors and a very, very unique atmosphere of the workshops. Various relaxation techniques.“
„The course was organized perfectly and the classes were conducted at the highest level. I am very pleased. Outdoor activities, various forms of art work were organized great. I liked all art activities and presentations about creativity and being stressed.“
„We should be more creative in our work, pay attention to the emotional and social needs of students, this will significantly affect teaching effects. What I liked the most was the atmosphere, it was very friendly, Pina and Igor took great care of us.“
„For me too short 🙂 You helped me to discover some new art techniques and discover some old techniques I’ve already used but apparently forgot. Now I can use them again this keep my mind busy doing something else. Thank you a lot!“
Burnout prevention through mindfulness, art and nature feels like a gentle, hopeful approach that resonates with me. Thanks for sharing this inspiring glimpse of InNature Academy.