Last week, as part of our Erasmus+ project “Fit & Mindful: Sustainable Living”, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of Italian exchange students to our school. We kicked off the week with a joint excursion to Mainz. During a guided tour of the old town, we had the perfect chance to get to know each other, start conversations, and come together as a group.
During the project days, we focused on mental health and well-being. Our students tried out a variety of activities that are easy to incorporate into everyday life: yoga to relax and practice mindfulness, Zumba to boost energy and mood, aqua jogging for gentle, joint-friendly exercise, volleyball to strengthen teamwork, and climbing, where students could test and overcome their own limits. Quieter activities were included as well: journaling helped organize thoughts, and creative crafts offered a great way to focus and experiment.
Healthy eating was another important part of the project. Together, we prepared fresh, colorful bowls and nutritious snacks. It quickly became clear that mindful eating not only supports our own well-being but also helps us understand the link between nutrition and sustainability. Health is a core element of the EU Sustainable Development Goals – learning early to take responsibility for ourselves lays the foundation for a healthy and sustainable life.
The results of our work are now visible around the school: posters about the different activities aim to inform and inspire other students to try new things and be more conscious of their own health.
What stood out the most was the warm and friendly atmosphere. We shared so many great conversations, and hopefully, some lasting friendships have been formed. A heartfelt thank you to our Italian partners – it was truly wonderful to spend this time with you!
We’re already excited about the visit to Italy in April, when we’ll travel to Meta near Naples. There, we’ll continue exploring sustainability and healthy, sustainable eating. We can’t wait to share new experiences and continue the project together!
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