Welcome to the Zen Den
At Strawberry Hill Primary Care, Julia Peterson, RN, and Heather Malcomson, NP, have created a small sanctuary for staff to recharge and reset.
“One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”
“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.”
“Be kind to yourself. You’re the only you you’ve got.”
As you enter the office of Heather Malcomson, NP, and Julia Peterson, RN, you’ll notice several rows of inspirational quotes taped to one side of the wall.
The “Zen Den,” as it’s nicknamed, occupies a modest corner in their office but radiates calmness and serenity. Soft lighting from a Himalayan salt lamp casts a warm glow. A team member will pick a daily quote from the wall and display the card in front of the salt lamp. Coworkers are invited to place their hands on the calming lamp for a few moments to bring peace to their sometimes hectic and fast-paced day.
Heather said the idea of the “Zen Den” came to her about a year ago as a way to promote a positive and inspiring team environment, to help improve morale, and foster a culture of self-care and mindfulness.
“I wanted to create a welcoming space that is friendly and positive, where staff could recharge and take a moment to take a deep breath,” says Heather. “We spend so much time caring for others, and it’s important to take some time for ourselves, too. Patients can feel it, too.”
The mindfulness self-care cards are two-sided, with a quote on the front and an action on the back. One of their favorite quote reads: “Not all storms come to disrupt your life; some come to clear your path.” Flip the card over: “Think about the biggest storm you have gone through in your life. How did it change you for the better?”
Heather and Julia have made a conscious effort to create a healthy work environment. They start off every morning with a mindfulness card and end the day with a song called “Proud,” by Heather Small. As they listen to the song, they share what they did that day to make them feel proud.
“This positive work environment has now become a part of my life, at our office and outside of work,” says Julia. “I find myself acknowledging prideful moments of myself and others around me no matter where I am. It is such a simple thing to do each day but also so impactful to uplift those around you.”
It’s a much-needed reminder that even on the busiest of days, it’s important to take a moment of peace and to take pride in your work every single day.
Click on video (at right) to listen to this team’s daily inspirational song.
To view slideshow of photos, click on arrow at right below.
To begin the day, an inspirational quote is placed in front of the salt lamp in the Zen Den at Strawberry Hill Primary Care.
The Zen Den features a wall of positive and uplifting quotes.
Julia Peterson, RN, and Heather Malcomson, NP, created the Zen Den at Strawberry Hill to promote a positive team environment and foster a culture of self-care and mindfulness.
The self-care cards provide a daily dose of uplifting messages and provide an opportunity to take a mindful pause.
“I wanted to create a welcoming space that is friendly and positive, where staff could recharge and take a moment to take a deep breath,” says Heather Malcomson.
