Being strong for others - starting with oneself
How do you implement staff and self-care in your own office?
Self-care looks different for each of us, especially in a small team like ours in Duhok. So, the way we approach it is quite simple and very human.
We check in with each other regularly, both during meetings and in everyday moments. We make space for emotions: they are not something we have to hide, but something we hold together.
Support is a big part of how we care for each other. We step in, cover tasks, and show up when someone feels overwhelmed. That sense of trust helps us feel safe.
Some of the most meaningful care happens in the time we spend together. We sometimes organize shared breakfasts or lunches. Food is very special in Kurdish culture. It helps us connect and slow down.
You have set up a self-care corner in your office. What prompted this?
In the beginning, our focus was mostly on the people we serve. But over time, we realized that to offer that kind of care, we also need to start with ourselves.
Self-care was a new concept for many of our colleagues. Only during COVID, more attention was given to mental health.
So we wanted to create a space where wellbeing is part of our daily work culture. Since self- and staff-care are core to our approach at medica mondiale, it felt like a responsibility to really live those values internally as well.
That’s how the self-care corner came about, on World Mental Health Day in October 2022. For me personally, I believe self-care isn’t something extra, but necessary so we can keep going – as Audre Lorde said: “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.”
How is the self-care corner designed and what exactly can be found there?
The self-care corner is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and calm atmosphere.
We tried to include different tools: mindfulness games, mandalas for coloring, creative tools like diamond painting, books, stress balls and simple games. Also a self-care booklet and affirmation messages.
The space is there to remind us that it’s okay to pause and to create small moments of calm within the workday.
How do employees use the corner?
Everyone uses the corner in their own way – that’s what makes it special. Many colleagues read, color mandals, or just take a quiet moment.
One activity that really brought people together was diamond painting. It became something shared across the team. Even our service contract staff like our cleaner would take part.
People have also started shaping the space, lighting candles, playing soft music and their own routines. People naturally embraced the space and the corner today is an integral part of our office life.
Have you noticed any changes in everyday working life?
Yes, there have been small but meaningful changes: stress rings are now on almost every desk.
More importantly, conversations around mental health have become more open and staff feel more comfortable talking about stress.
What was also special to see is how this idea has gone beyond our office. One of our partner organizations has created their own self-care corner, and even guests feel inspired.
Which messages are particularly important to you?
Messages that encourage kindness toward ourselves are particularly important. They remind us to acknowledge our feelings, and to treat ourselves with the same care we often give to others.
How do you support partner organizations with staff and self care?
We try to lead by example. In trainings and workshops, we intentionally integrate self-care practices. This can be breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and can also include using our self-care corner.
Little gestures are important: sharing food, appreciations with cards and small gifts.
We distribute self-care booklets and prioritize breaks and physical movement into our trainings. This confirms that small, intentional acts can make a big difference.
