Recently, we had the opportunity to take part in the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Be Kind to Your Mind”, which took place near Zakopane in Poland. Together with young people from Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Spain, we spent several unforgettable days learning more about mental health, self-love, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of kindness — both towards others and ourselves.
The project created a very open and welcoming atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts, experiences, and ideas. Through non-formal education, workshops, group discussions, and creative activities, we explored topics connected to communication, self-awareness, emotions, and personal growth. Many of the activities encouraged us to reflect on ourselves, understand our feelings better, and build stronger connections with the people around us.
One of the most valuable parts of the experience was meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. Every evening we organized cultural nights where each country presented its traditions, music, dances, and traditional food. It was amazing to discover how different we all are, while also realizing how many things we actually have in common.
The project also included outdoor and team-building activities around Zakopane. We had the chance to explore the beautiful Polish mountains and visit the breathtaking Morskie Oko, which became one of the highlights of the whole exchange. Spending time in nature together made the experience even more special and gave us space to relax, reflect, and enjoy the moment.
Throughout the project, we not only improved our communication and teamwork skills, but we also learned the importance of taking care of mental health and creating supportive spaces where people feel heard and accepted. The exchange helped us become more open-minded, confident, and grateful for the connections and friendships we created during our time together.
