The “Stress free” Approach to Teaching and Learning: Lessons from EdYOUFest

Can teaching and learning truly be stress-free? While it may seem like an ideal, at EdYOUFest, we believe in fostering a mindset that prioritises adaptability, collaboration, and passion over pressure. In education—whether in classrooms or professional development settings—stress is often seen as an inevitable part of the process. However, research in educational psychology suggests that reducing unnecessary stress can lead to more effective learning and greater professional satisfaction (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985; Dweck, 2006).

EdYOUFest Motto: "No Stress" - or at Least, We Always Try!

The Spirit Behind the Motto

EdYOUFest is more than a conference series—it is a global community of educators dedicated to continuous growth. Organising events, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality content can be overwhelming, but our guiding principle is simple: “No stress” – or at least, we always try!

Rather than focusing on eliminating stress entirely (an unrealistic goal), we emphasise resilience and cognitive flexibility—qualities essential for both educators and learners. Research on teacher well-being suggests that a supportive professional environment leads to higher engagement, creativity, and job satisfaction (Day & Gu, 2010). By cultivating a collaborative and solution-focused atmosphere, we aim to model these principles for educators worldwide.

Why “Stress free” Matters in Education

The phrase “No Stress” is more than just a motto—it reflects an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning:

• Collaboration over Pressure – Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory emphasises the role of collaborative learning in cognitive development. Educators thrive in environments where peer support replaces unnecessary competition.

• Flexibility over Rigidity – Psychological research shows that cognitive flexibility—the ability to adapt to new challenges—is a key predictor of problem-solving ability and long-term success (Spiro et al., 1988). Accepting that things don’t always go as planned helps us stay focused on solutions.

• Passion over Perfection – According to Dweck’s (2006) research on growth mindset, prioritising progress over perfection fosters motivation and resilience in both educators and students. Learning is an evolving journey, not a fixed destination.

The Reality: We Always Try

No one is entirely immune to stress. Event planning, managing expectations, and ensuring a seamless experience for participants can be demanding. However, what sets EdYOUFest apart is our intentional mindset—we recognise challenges as opportunities for growth.

Coping strategies such as mindfulness in education (Meiklejohn et al., 2012) and reflective teaching practices (Schön, 1983) help us navigate unpredictability with a sense of balance. Whether dealing with a last-minute schedule change or an unexpected challenge, we embrace the situation with a problem-solving approach rather than letting stress take over.

Joining the “No Stress” Mindset

When you become part of EdYOUFest—whether as a speaker, participant, or supporter—you join a global movement that values professional development, personal growth, and well-being in education.

To integrate the “No Stress” approach into your own professional life, consider:

1. Fostering collaboration – Build networks of support with colleagues to share ideas and resources.

2. Practicing adaptability – Accept that challenges are part of the process and focus on creative problem-solving.

3. Encouraging a growth mindset – Prioritise learning and progress over perfection in both teaching and professional development.

As we continue to grow, plan new conferences, and expand our community, we invite you to embrace this philosophy: “stress free” – or at least, we always try!

Because in the end, education is about impact, not perfection. And if we can navigate the journey with enthusiasm, resilience, and a bit of humor, we create meaningful experiences.

Giovanni Rottura and Natalia Vidal