Healthy Youth Guide: A Practical Resource for Promoting Physical and Mental Wellbeing Among Young People

Aims of the tool

The aim of the Healthy Youth Guide is to provide a practical, youth-friendly resource that supports physical and mental wellbeing and promotes inclusion of marginalised young people.

The guide brings together simple tools, exercises and reflection methods developed during the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Healthy Youth: Physical and Mental Wellbeing”. It helps young people and youth workers:
- understand the link between physical health, emotional balance and daily habits;
- manage stress through breathing, mindfulness and grounding techniques;
- recognise signs of burnout and build healthy routines;
- create safe and inclusive spaces by challenging stereotypes and addressing barriers to participation;
- connect wellbeing with sustainability through nature-based reflection and green habits;
- improve digital wellbeing through healthier online habits and boundaries;
- transfer learning into action through personal wellbeing plans and inclusive community initiatives.

The guide is designed for easy use in youth work settings (youth centres, schools, local workshops, peer groups) and as an open-access resource that can be adapted and shared.

Description of the tool

The Healthy Youth Guide is a practical learning resource developed during the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Healthy Youth: Physical and Mental Wellbeing” implemented in Portugal in September 2025.

The guide was co-created by young people aged 18–23 from five European countries through non-formal learning activities, daily reflection sessions, peer discussions and experiential workshops. It reflects their shared learning process and focuses on two main themes of the project: physical and mental wellbeing, and inclusion of marginalised young people.

The tool combines theory with practical exercises. It includes:
- breathing and mindfulness techniques,
- grounding methods,
- stress and burnout awareness tools,
- reflection and journaling exercises,
- a personal wellbeing checklist,
- guidance on creating safe and inclusive spaces,
- strategies for challenging stereotypes and addressing barriers,
- outdoor and nature-based wellbeing practices,
- digital wellbeing and screen-time management tools,
- a personal wellbeing action plan template.

The guide is designed for use in youth exchanges, local youth initiatives, workshops, schools and youth centres. It can be adapted by youth workers and facilitators to different contexts and target groups.

Learning Outcomes

Through the development and use of this tool, participants and users can:

- understand the connection between physical and mental health;
- increase emotional awareness and stress-management skills;
- recognise early signs of burnout and develop healthier routines;
- strengthen empathy and inclusive communication skills;
- understand marginalisation and barriers faced by young people;
- promote safe and inclusive environments in youth settings;
- improve digital wellbeing and responsible online behaviour;
- connect sustainability and wellbeing through nature-based practices;
- develop action planning skills for personal and community wellbeing;
- strengthen intercultural understanding and European cooperation awareness.

The Healthy Youth Guide supports active youth participation, promotes shared European values such as equality, respect and non-discrimination, and contributes to the long-term impact of the Erasmus+ project beyond its lifetime.