We don’t always need big moments to take mental health seriously. Often, it’s the small ones – the choices we make daily to protect our peace of mind, energy, and clarity.
This is the fourth story of our Mental Health Awareness Week series. These conversations are just one part of raising awareness about mental health and creating a culture where people and their well-being truly matter. Through this series and our broader initiatives, we’re working to make our workplace more open, more compassionate, and more prepared to support people’s mental well-being.
Here, we talk to Rania Badawy, Marketing Specialist at Fujifilm Healthcare Middle East, who shares her small habits that help her stay grounded. She’s learned through experience that mental well-being doesn’t come from pushing through all the time but from finding a moment to pause and set your boundaries.
“We need to treat our mental well-being as non-negotiable. Just like physical health, it needs daily care.”
– There was a time when I was juggling too much without asking for help. Eventually, I took a step back, spoke openly with my team, and created better boundaries. That shift had a lasting impact on both my mental health and performance. Now, when I notice I’m feeling less focused, or a task takes more than usual, it’s a signal for me to slow down. I’ve learned to listen to those cues and prioritize rest or mental space, even if just for some minutes. We need to treat our mental well-being as non-negotiable. Just like physical health, it needs daily care – and a little goes a long way.
During busy or challenging times, what’s your go-to strategy for managing stress?
– I break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps and give myself permission to pause. A quick reset – like stepping outside for fresh air or a quick chat with my colleague – makes a huge difference.
What’s one small, regular habit that makes a positive difference to your mental well-being?
– Taking 10 minutes each morning to disconnect from devices and simply breathe. It can be a short walk, or a coffee with the team. This helps me start the day grounded and with intention.
Who or what aspects of your work environment contribute most to your mental well-being?
– Having a supportive team and a great leader who encourages openness without judgment. It makes a big difference. Because silence often leads to misunderstanding. When we normalize these conversations, we create safer, more connected environments where people feel seen. I also believe that work-life balance and access to healthcare are fundamental in sustaining mental health long-term.
If you’re looking for support
We believe our responsibility goes beyond that, that’s why we have also introduced our Employee Wellness Declaration – a commitment to supporting mental health through action, dialogue, and care.
Mental health doesn’t always wait for a quiet moment to remind of itself. And knowing where to turn can make all the difference. We’ve collected some resources with mental health hotlines that may be of use:
For hotline and lifeline options by country, check out these websites:
findahelpline.com
yourlifecounts.org
https://unisafe-gbv.eu/national-support-resources-counselling-and-helplines/
Find out more about mental health and devoted initiatives here:
https://www.mentalhealtheurope.org/
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use