As an influencer, you have the ability to positively shape conversations and inspire meaningful changes in the lives of your followers. One area where this influence can truly make a difference is promoting mental health and wellbeing. While World Mental Health Day brings focus to this critical topic, advocating for wellbeing shouldn’t be limited to a single day – it’s something that can be highlighted all year round.
Here are five actionable tips for using your platform to promote mental health and create a supportive, uplifting space for your community.
Share personal stories
One of the most impactful ways to advocate for mental health is by sharing your own personal journey. Opening up about your experiences with mental health can help break down stigma and foster a sense of solidarity among your followers. When you share openly, you create a safe space where your audience feels encouraged to speak about their own challenges and wellbeing. This vulnerability builds trust and deepens your connection with your community, inspiring others to share their stories and support one another.
Create a garden sanctuary
Encourage your followers to create their own garden sanctuaries as a means of promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Whether it’s a garden or balcony, or even a windowsill, having a tranquil space to unwind can alleviate stress and boost mental health. Suggest ideas like adding comfortable seating, soothing water features, and aromatic plants such as lavender or jasmine to create a peaceful atmosphere. These small, mindful additions can turn any space into a calming retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Bring wildlife into the garden
Connecting with nature has been scientifically proven to enhance mental wellbeing, and bringing wildlife into one’s outdoor space is a fantastic way to foster this connection. Encourage your followers to invite birds, butterflies and other local wildlife into their gardens by providing food, water and shelter. Whether it’s setting up bird feeders or planting pollinator-friendly flowers, helping wildlife thrive creates a sense of harmony with the natural world, which can have a profound calming effect on mental health. Our client Ark Wildlife has tonnes of tips on its blog to help invite more wildlife into your outdoor space.
Connect with others
Human connection is vital for mental wellbeing. Use your platform to encourage your followers to foster relationships both online and in their local communities. Suggest joining a local community garden or even gifting homegrown flowers or vegetables to neighbours as a small act of kindness. These acts can build a strong sense of community and support, helping your followers navigate life’s ups and downs with the backing of meaningful, supportive relationships.
The power of ‘Grow Your Own’!
Growing and consuming fresh, nutritious foods can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Encourage your followers to start their own kitchen gardens, cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs known for their mood-boosting properties such as spinach, berries, peppers, or sweet potatoes. Gardening can be a mindful, grounding activity that helps reduce stress, while the act of growing your own food fosters a sense of accomplishment and sustainability. It’s a way to nurture both body and mind, all while contributing to a healthier planet.
Advocating for mental health and wellbeing is a powerful way to use your platform for good. By incorporating these tips, you can inspire your followers to embrace self-care, connect with nature, and foster a sense of community. Remember, promoting mental wellbeing is not just about a single post or campaign – it’s about weaving these values into the content you share every day.
Get involved in the conversation by using #HonestNetwork and tagging us – we’d to share and repost your content. Also, consider supporting other members of the Honest Network by sharing their posts. Together, we can amplify this message and ensure mental health remains a top priority!
