Breathing and Brain Science Take Center Stage in Breathe Up Mind

The third day of the Erasmus+ KA153 – Mobility of Youth Workers project "Breathe Up Mind" (Project No. 2025-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000381042), coordinated by Generaciones Saludables España, continued in Madrid, Spain with activities dedicated to understanding the relationship between stress, breathing, and mental well-being. Bringing together youth workers from Spain, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Italy, Hungary, and Ukraine, the project continues to strengthen participants' competencies in promoting mental health through innovative non-formal education methods.

The day opened with The Power of Breath workshop, where participants explored how conscious breathing techniques can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and support overall psychological well-being. Through guided breathing exercises and practical activities, youth workers experienced simple yet effective methods that can be integrated into their daily routines as well as future youth work sessions.

Later, participants attended The Science of Stress and Its Effects on the Brain, an interactive session focusing on the neurological and physiological impact of stress. The workshop provided insights into how chronic stress influences cognitive functions, emotional responses, and decision-making processes while presenting evidence-based strategies for managing stress more effectively.

By combining scientific knowledge with practical experience, the third day enabled participants to better understand the mind-body connection and the importance of self-care in youth work. The sessions encouraged youth workers to adopt healthier coping mechanisms and inspired them to transfer these approaches into their local communities, contributing to more resilient and supportive environments for young people across Europe.