Who takes care of the care clown?
Recently I did a weekend of workshops to experience what it is like to be a care clown at Clownsense. This together with a group of passionate people from the healthcare sector. Learned so much from the master of clowning, Bart Walter, here exceptionally without a red nose :p
Challenging myself to fully embrace the clown
This experience made me think not only about the power of humor, but especially about the people behind the care. Day in, day out they are ready to give to others. They care for us, but who actually cares for them?
In this article
The healthcare heroes of then and now
It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were applauding healthcare workers every night during the COVID pandemic. It was a time when society opened its eyes to the hard work being done in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. With loud clapping and countless “Thanks for the care” messages, we showed our appreciation to those on the front lines.
But what has changed?
But now, three years later, I wonder: what has really changed? The pressure on healthcare workers is higher than ever, burnouts are increasing and the applause seems to have died down.
The care clown, a figure that brings joy and enlightenment brings in dark moments, symbolizes much more to me than just a clown in a hospital.
He symbolizes everyone who gives of themselves day in, day out to help others — whether it concerns healthcare workers, teachers, or the many people in organizations who always give the best of themselves.
Playfulness that we have often forgotten since our childhood!
How can you care for others if you don't care for yourself? Or if you're not being cared for?
Gert-Jan
used to be a class clown, now mussels from brossels
We have to take care of ourselves!
Piece of cake?
The problem is simple: how can you care for others if you don't get the care you need yourself?
This is a question that goes beyond the healthcare sector. It is a question that is relevant to anyone who works in a service role, and really anyone who feels like they are constantly giving without receiving in return.
What is structurally going on?
This gets to the heart of a bigger problem: the structures we work in. Many organizations are focused on productivity and efficiency, but forget that people are not machines.
They can’t perform consistently without moments of rest, recovery and, perhaps most importantly, fun. The question organizations should ask themselves is: what structures can we adapt to create a healthier work culture?
This applies not only to healthcare institutions, but also to companies. How often do we see people in organizations getting stuck in their work, becoming overloaded by stress and eventually dropping out? What would happen if we gave more space to playfulness, creativity and even a little bit of craziness in the workplace? These are not “soft skills,” these are survival mechanisms in a world that demands more and more of us.
What do we need to change?
Change starts with awareness
Many people in healthcare and other sectors have become so accustomed to the idea that they must always be there for others that they push their own needs to the background. This is unsustainable. The reality is that if we do not learn to take better care of ourselves, we will not be able to take good care of others.
Laughter as medicine
Humor is a powerful tool. It has the unique ability to relieve tension, create connection, and help us see the world from a different perspective. In a high-pressure environment where responsibility weighs heavily, laughter can be a medicine. It gently opens us up and helps us distance ourselves from the seriousness of the situation. Just as the care clown can transform a room full of tension into a place of relaxation with a simple joke or playfulness, we can use humor and lightness to relieve the pressure on our shoulders.
And as an organization you can and must also take steps
There are a number of things organizations can do to promote a culture of care and well-being.
Think about implementing mental health policies, offering self-care training, or even integrating humor and playfulness into the work environment. The latter brings me back to the care clown, who is not only a medicine for patients, but also for ourselves.
There is a need for consultation and coordination. Both within our team and at higher levels. Our vision. Change the world, start with yourself 😉
Reuhm tuh tuh teeeeeeuhm: the solution of mussels
Get out of survival mode with purpose
We enter your organization and team with a lot of swing. Together we discuss purposefully: What is needed to change? What are individual needs? What are blocking elements for the team? What are the expectations? Which structures do we need to change to obtain enlightenment?
We use low-threshold methods to stimulate consultation in order to gradually allow this to grow.
We achieve the best results with humor
We combine the serious with the hilarious, because that childishness is so important in trust and feeling good. We work with experts who understand and can use both the business side and the importance of humor. Together we ensure that people not only work efficiently, but also with pleasure.
Think of us as batman meets the joker. The serious hero triggered by the clown. Meet mosselman.
This is what you can expect
- 3 workshops to take targeted steps with your team
- Tuning in with yourself and each other
- Easily and safely examine collaboration
- Stimulating purposeful consultation
- From individual concerns to structural solutions
- Consciously using your inner child
- Lots of fun and enjoyment with your team
- Discover new insights thanks to unexpected methods
- Translation to boost contagiousness upwards and outwards
Let's save the world with humor!
Want to discover how we make a difference? How we can help you and your team take better care of yourself, so that you can do even more for others? Discover more about our approach and how we, with a twist, can strengthen your organization.
