About
About
Holistic Health for Humanitarians (HH4H) is a dedicated platform offering a wide range of well-being resources and holistic care options—not just for humanitarians, and not limited to traditional holistic practices. We provide:
- Wellness ideas and practices tailored for life both in and out of duty stations
- User-recommended R&R destinations
- A community blog with insights and shared experiences
- Free advisory services
- On-demand, comprehensive holistic coaching
Whether you’re on assignment or in between missions, HH4H supports your journey toward balance, resilience, and sustainable well-being.
Concept
Holistic Health for Humanitarians (HH4H) was initially conceived by humanitarian aid workers to support and nourish the mind-body and souls of those courageous, dedicated and empathetic humanitarian aid workers.
The overall purpose of the platform is to alleviate the additional stress incurred by planning for R&R and leave, of any kind, as well as share knowledge and resources, and provide a service to source options and extensive online resources for wellness, well-being and self-care. Given the amount of time we expend on discussing where to go for R&R, why not have some ideas available in one convenient, user-friendly place!!
Why use HH4H and other holistic care platforms and services?
Self-care recognizes that to support others and be present with their pain and suffering, we have to be present with our own challenges as well. It can help us to contribute to positive, inclusive and equitable change[1]. In this case, HH4H was designed to provide a one-stop-shop repository for resources and advisory services for professionals working in difficult environments to source health, wellness, nutrition, meditation retreats, escapes, centres, hotels and other forms of treatment, spiritual development and/or coaching provided by verified practitioners. This has been garnered through extensive research, consultations and expertise within the humanitarian sector and broader aid industry, including in collaboration with professionals from the wellness sector.
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[1] Gemma Houldey, The Vulnerable Humanitarian-Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector, 2022, p.113
Importance of holistic health
While working, it seems difficult to find the time to eat healthily, exercise and be mindful and present. Often, you do not want to self-reflect, be compassionate with oneself and work as hard as possible to just pass the time until the next rest and recuperation (R&R)! Although, with self-discipline and kindness, depending on the specific circumstances, it is possible to set boundaries and find a balance – as brilliantly highlighted by Gemma Houldey, ‘let us never forget that compassion is, and should always be, at the heart of all we do as humanitarians’[1]. Regular practices and rituals support our presence, mindfulness and can even improve our ability and motivation to work under duress, in challenging circumstances, and often with difficult counterparts and even colleagues. Realistically, to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle and continue a career in this sector or grow as changemakers, we need to connect with our own suffering to connect with the suffering of others whom we wish to help[2].
Moreover, it would be even easier, more profitable and recuperative if there was one place to find out healthy and beneficial options for R&R, contract breaks and post-mission escapes. Options for retreats and escapes in countries where we work are also available for anyone who is willing, but are perhaps not well-known or advertised. National staff, who are the most overlooked.
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[1] Ibid, p.22
[2] Ibid, p.11
Founder
HH4H was initially conceived by humanitarians for humanitarians, and founded by Alex Binns (a former UN and NGO humanitarian worker, but always a humanitarian) following his gradual transition into holistic practice. He is a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) practitioner for aid workers, a 650-hour Yoga Alliance–certified yoga teacher (ashtanga, hatha and yin), and a sound bowl meditation facilitator. He offers bespoke holistic coaching, beginning with a complimentary 30-minute discovery call.
He also provides free advisory support, practitioner referrals, and guidance on wellness retreats, escapes, and destinations—including options in countries where humanitarians work, are posted, or reside. These may include healthy excursion spots, wellness centres, yoga venues, nutrition therapy providers, and more.
Insights, recommendations, and blog contributions from other humanitarians and practitioners will further support users, health professionals, and researchers. Referrals to specialized holistic health practitioners are available on request.
