Too often, we forget that practicing a healthy lifestyle means more than just exercising, eating well, and taking care of our physical selves – we have to create space in our lives to prioritize mental wellbeing, too!

Mental Health Awareness Month happens every May, and it is a time that’s dedicated to amplifying the importance of mental wellness. From promoting healthy habits to sharing resources for getting help, there are tons of ways that businesses can get involved in this incredibly positive initiative. Not sure where to start? In this blog, we’re discussing four impactful ways that you can meaningfully take part in Mental Health Awareness Month!

1) Host a Wellness Workshop

Whether it’s for your own employees or for your local community, hosting a wellness workshop can be a powerful way to make an impact in your community. You can customize the contents of your workshop to suit a specific audience, like your employees, or even draw from your business niche to contribute to Mental Health Awareness Month in a way that is uniquely ‘you’!

For example, a local art studio could host a "paint your feelings" night, or an outdoor supply store could host an exercise on the mental benefits of connecting with nature. You can also bring in a local mental health professional or wellness coach to share their knowledge and tips for promoting mental wellness. Educational presentations on topics like stress management, mindfulness or the importance of rest can provide valuable insights on how making small lifestyle changes can lead to dramatic positive results!

2) Create A Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Event planning not your forte? Not to worry, you can also spread awareness and drive positive change by launching a well-structured mental health awareness campaign! You can share wellness tips and useful resources through social media posts, physical posters, or newsletters to support your community and generate engagement by creating a fun challenge or unique hashtag to get your audience actively involved!

3) Incorporate Your Own Branded Wellness Items

Empower your audience on their wellness journeys by giving them the tools they need to succeed! Custom-branded stress-relief products can be gifted with purchased items at checkout, handed out at local events, or included in employee wellness packages. The right gifts can encourage recipients to take actions that will help them recharge and approach every day with resilience and a positive mindset! Wellness gifts can vary widely and may differ based on your unique audience, but generally, items like journals, stress balls, and personal care products are a good place to start.

4) Partner With a Local Mental Health Organization

Collaborate with a local counselling service or mental health center to raise awareness about their services and initiatives! This could look like hosting a fundraiser, sponsoring a local mental health event, or donating a portion of sales to your chosen mental health organization for the month of May. This is a wonderful choice for customer-facing businesses who want to deepen their roots in their local community, building strong connections and partnerships while making a real, positive impact.

However you choose to participate in this Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you and your teams to take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental wellness, and the changes YOU can make to better manage stress, tune in to your emotions, and give your brain the attention it deserves.

To learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month, check out the following resources:

Brown University Health Blog (US)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (US)

CMHA Mental Health Week (Canada, May 5-11)