Sustainability Education Handbook 2: Personal Growth, Physical and Mental Wellbeing through Outdoor Activities

Aims of the tool

This Handbook is the second one of four CONNECT Handbooks.
The Handbook supports teachers and youth workers in improving learners’ physical and mental wellbeing through outdoor movement and nature‑based activities. It aims to reduce stress, counter sedentary lifestyles, strengthen social‑emotional competences, and help educators integrate low‑threshold wellbeing practices into everyday teaching.

Description of the tool

This Handbook helps educators respond to rising stress, social isolation and declining physical activity among young people by using outdoor learning as a wellbeing tool. It is organised into three sections:
1. Theory on movement, nature and mental balance
2. International good practices showing how outdoor learning supports wellbeing
3. Ready‑to‑use outdoor lesson plans for everyday school practice

The activities encourage movement, cooperation, sensory exploration and reflection. They help learners reconnect with their bodies, regulate emotions, reduce digital overload and build healthier social relationships.
The learning outcomes include:
- improved physical awareness and energy regulation
- reduced stress through outdoor movement
- stronger social connection and cooperation skills
- better emotional balance and self‑management
- increased motivation and engagement through experiential learning
- deeper understanding of how nature supports wellbeing and sustainability

All four Handbooks are available in English, French, Greek, Hungarian and Lithuanian, and can be viewed and downloaded from the CONNECT project website:

https://aksantys.com/cultivating-outdoor-nature-based-education-launch-of-connect-project/ Note: Note: Clicking this link takes you to an independent third-party site outside of SALTO TC&RC’s control.