The “Move and Play the Stress Away” course is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) designed to provide teachers with practical strategies to combat stress and prevent burnout. The curriculum is structured into six distinct modules that guide participants on a journey from understanding the roots of stress to embracing play and creativity as tools for well-being.
The course aims to equip participants with the skills to :
- Develop stress and burnout management skills.
- Integrate play for enhanced well-being.
- Strengthen the mind-body connection and self-care practices.
- Harness nature and the environment for stress reduction.
- Cultivate creativity and resilience through artistic expression.
Authors:
Dr Iva Klimešová, Ph.D., Palacky University, Olomouc
Dr Julie Wittmanova, Palacky University, Olomouc
Kamil Maciaszek, Gratosfera Foundation
Zsuzsa Illés, Rogers Foundation for Person-Centred Education
Dr Eva Virag Suhajda, Rogers Foundation for Person-Centred Education
Editor:
Dr Eva Virag Suhajda, Rogers Foundation for Person-Centred Education
Illustrations:
Martyna Buda
AI Disclosure: Generative Artificial Intelligence tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, HeyGen, Napkin AI)
were used in the production and translation of the content in this document. AI was utilized solely as
a supportive tool: all outputs were validated based on our own sources, subjected to expert review,
and modified as necessary. The project implementers maintain full responsibility for the accuracy
and originality of the final content
Curriculum
- 8 Sections
- 84 Lessons
- Lifetime
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Introduction1
- Module 1: Stress and Burnout Introduction13
- 2.1Modul 1 – Introduction
- 2.2Understanding Stress
- 2.3What is Grounding?
- 2.4Grounding exercise
- 2.5Tune into your body meditation
- 2.6The breathing space mediation
- 2.7The Burnout Syndrome
- 2.8Barefoot walking: advantages, disadvantages and exercises to strengthen the foot
- 2.9Barefoot Walking exercise
- 2.10Figure Technique: Stressors and Resources in the Work of a Teacher
- 2.11Anti-stress suitcase
- 2.12Balance Wheel
- 2.13Two Curtains Method
- Module 2: Connecting with Our Bodies17
- 3.1Module 2: Introduction
- 3.2The Embodied Mind: Reconnecting with the Body’s Wisdom
- 3.3Tapping exercise
- 3.4What is mindfulness?
- 3.5Mindfulness – Introduction video
- 3.6Mindfulness exercise 1 – Mindful breathing
- 3.7Mindfulness exercise 2 – Body scan
- 3.8Mindfulness exercise 3 – walking meditation
- 3.9Mindfulness exercise 4- Mindful listening
- 3.10The Wisdom of Our Body: The Felt Body
- 3.11The healing touch (video)
- 3.12The Healing Touch
- 3.13Somatic movement practices
- 3.14Arrival to Space and Body
- 3.15Small Dance: A Solo Movement Practice
- 3.16Spinal Piano – a pair exercise
- 3.17Wheel of Awareness Meditation
- Module 3: Self-Care11
- 4.1Module 3 Introduction
- 4.2Caring about yourself – Positive Affirmations
- 4.3Affirmations – video
- 4.4How Chronic Stress Affects Eating Patterns
- 4.5Strengthening the Immune System through Diet and Nutrition
- 4.6Healthy Eating for Stress Management
- 4.7Mindful Eating
- 4.8Positive Affirmations Exercise
- 4.9Gratitude Jar
- 4.10Mindful Eating
- 4.11How to incorporate mindful eating habits into our daily lives
- Module 4: Playful Connections12
- 5.1Module 4 – Introduction
- 5.2The Invisible Architechture of Well-Being
- 5.3The Universal Power of Play: Why We Never Outgrow Our Inner Child
- 5.4Calming Connections
- 5.5Play: A Fundamental Human Need
- 5.6The Cost of Disconnection
- 5.7Rethinking Work: Why Play is the Missing Piece
- 5.8The Playful Mindset in Professional Relationships
- 5.9How to Play as an Adult: Rediscovering Joy, Creativity, and Well-being
- 5.10Quick Games and Activities for Work: Boost Creativity and Energy in Minutes
- 5.11Six Engaging Party Games for Adults (No Alcohol Required)
- 5.12Recognize Playful Moments
- Module 5: Connecting to Nature14
- 6.1Module 5 Introduction
- 6.2Urbanization and the Need to Reconnect with Nature
- 6.3Ecology of Magic by David Abram
- 6.4What is Nature for You
- 6.5Nature Therapy Against Stress
- 6.6Connections to Pets
- 6.7Animals in the Classroom?
- 6.8Language Use and Feelings for Nature
- 6.9The Nature Principle – „Vitamin N”
- 6.10The Magic Power of Gardening
- 6.11Activating the Senses in Nature: A Solo Mindfulness Exercise
- 6.12Meet My Tree
- 6.13Nature Mandala
- 6.14Nature Pictures
- Module 6: Creativity - Connecting to Our Positive Powers15
- 7.1Module 6: Introduction
- 7.2The Myth of the Creative Type
- 7.3Creativity as Self-Discovery: Finding Your Inner Voice
- 7.4The Brain on Play
- 7.5Curiosity as the Spark: How Play Opens the Door to Creativity
- 7.6The Silent Killers of Creativity
- 7.7From Self-Doubt to Creative Confidence: Reclaiming Your Inner Voice
- 7.8Creativity in Connection
- 7.9The Quiet Power of Creative Rituals: Building Inner Strength Through Consistency
- 7.10The “Try Something Different” Challenge
- 7.11Personal Creative Time (Self-Discovery Practice)
- 7.12The 10-Minute Playful Experiment
- 7.13Invite Someone In (Collaborative Creativity)
- 7.14A “Play First” Warm-Up
- 7.15Establish a Creative Ritual
- EvaluationAs you have finished this course, we would like to ask you to evaluate. Thank you!1
Course Material
Instructor
