Move Your Mind — Portugal

The project took place in the beautiful Portuguese town of Santa Maria da Feira. Move Your Mind brought exactly what its name suggests – movement of both the mind and the body. Seven days full of activities with one clear goal: to show us how important it is to care for our mental health and to give us practical tools on how to do it.

 

The project gathered 32 young people from four countries – the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, and the host country Portugal. The organizing team consisted of three members from the local Red Cross.

As always, the first days were all about getting to know each other. Intercultural evenings, group games, and teamwork in mixed groups helped us quickly overcome any initial shyness and turn a bunch of individuals into a functioning team. It was fascinating to see how differently we perceive the topic of mental health in each country, and at the same time, how much we actually have in common.

The core of the project was a series of interactive activities that encouraged participants to reflect on what affects their mental well-being and how they can support it. In group sessions, we discussed burnout prevention, shared our personal stress-coping strategies, and came up with practical tips for maintaining a healthy mind. One of the highlights was creating seven-day challenges designed to inspire small everyday changes that lead to greater balance and mental resilience. It was amazing to see how each person brought a part of themselves into the project – some contributed creative ideas, others an analytical approach, and others still their talent for presenting.

On two mornings we practiced light pilates, which had a surprisingly positive effect on our energy and mood. Even those of us who don’t usually enjoy sports quickly realized how much a short burst of movement helps to kick-start the day. After these sessions, we all felt refreshed, focused, and full of energy – a simple routine that many decided to include in their everyday lives.

A special highlight was a day spent at the beach. Besides well-deserved relaxation, we played volleyball, laughed together, and enjoyed the ocean. It was exactly what our minds needed – to switch off and just be present in the moment.

The project was led in a relaxed and friendly way, with an emphasis on collaboration, sharing experiences, strengthening social bonds between participants from different countries – and of course, fun. We learned that taking care of your mental health isn’t complicated; often it’s about small daily habits like moving your body, talking to friends, or taking time for yourself. We also discovered how we personally react to stress and what helps us most when life feels overwhelming.

I’m leaving with new friendships, plenty of inspiration, and deep gratitude for the chance to be part of such a project. Even after coming home, I can still hear the words of one participant from Greece: “Don’t forget, your mind needs movement too.” And I know I won’t forget.

A big thank you to EYCB and the Portuguese team for the organization, and to our Czech team for creating such a wonderful atmosphere.

Klára H.