We created EcoMind – Caring for the Mind and the Planet to respond to the growing emotional and ecological challenges facing students today. Young people are increasingly exposed to stress, anxiety, and eco-anxiety, yet traditional environmental education often focuses only on knowledge and behaviors, neglecting the psychological and relational dimensions of sustainability.
As a school psychologist, I observed that students’ well-being and their ability to engage with the world are deeply connected to how they relate to themselves, others, and nature. EcoMind was designed to bridge this gap by combining relaxation techniques (Jacobson’s Progressive Relaxation and Schultz’s Autogenic Training), nature-based learning, and the philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because you are”, which emphasizes empathy, interdependence, and community.
The innovation was created to help students and educators develop emotional resilience, self-awareness, social empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the planet. By integrating mental health and ecological awareness, EcoMind fosters a holistic approach where caring for oneself, caring for others, and caring for the environment are inseparable.
Our goal is to empower young people to act thoughtfully and sustainably, while cultivating a school culture that values well-being, empathy, and ecological stewardship.
In practice, EcoMind is a school-wide program that combines psychological techniques, nature-based learning, and community action.
Relaxation and emotional regulation: Students participate in sessions using Jacobson’s Progressive Relaxation and Schultz’s Autogenic Training, helping them manage stress, focus, and emotional well-being.
Nature-based learning: Lessons and activities are conducted outdoors whenever possible—gardening, eco-trails, or observing biodiversity—so students directly connect with the natural world.
Ubuntu-inspired social learning: Group reflections and workshops emphasize “I am because you are”, fostering empathy, interdependence, and cooperation.
Student-led ecological projects: Students organize sustainability initiatives, such as recycling campaigns, school gardens, or eco-murals, applying what they learn in real-world actions.
Integration into the curriculum: Teachers incorporate EcoMind exercises into existing subjects, connecting mental health, environmental awareness, and social-emotional learning.
Community involvement: Families and local organizations are invited to participate in projects, reinforcing the link between individual well-being, social responsibility, and planetary health.
Outcome in the school: Students develop emotional resilience, social empathy, and sustainable habits, while the school environment becomes more supportive, collaborative, and ecologically conscious.
coMind is currently in the early stages of implementation. The program has been piloted within our school, with initial sessions of relaxation, nature-based learning, and Ubuntu-inspired activities. We are gathering feedback from students and teachers to refine the approach before expanding it to more classes and potentially other schools in the future.
So far, EcoMind has been adapted to meet the needs of our students and school context. We have tailored relaxation exercises (Jacobson and Schultz) to different age groups, adjusted outdoor activities to available school spaces, and integrated the Ubuntu principle – “I am because you are” to strengthen social-emotional learning. Feedback from initial sessions is guiding ongoing refinements to make the program more engaging, practical, and scalable.
To try EcoMind, start by integrating simple relaxation exercises (Jacobson’s Progressive Relaxation and Schultz’s Autogenic Training) into your classroom or school day. Pair these with short outdoor or nature-based activities, and introduce group reflections inspired by Ubuntu – “I am because you are” to foster empathy and interdependence. Gradually involve students in small sustainability projects, like school gardening, recycling, or eco-murals. Collect feedback, adapt activities to your context, and expand over time. if neded send email to luismesquitafonseca@hotmail.com
