Pinterest 'Invests In Rest' for World Mental Health Day

In a perfect world, social media would be a safe space where people of all ages could escape the stressors of real life, if only for a brief period. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

For World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, Pinterest created both an online and offline “Haven” where Pinners could find ways to destress, tips for sleeping better and positive affirmations to read at the start and end of the day.

“We want Pinners to walk away feeling better than when they started,” says Elizabeth Luke, senior brand communications lead at Pinterest.

Pinterest Havens: Invest in Rest came about following an increase in searches for “Sunday reset routine” and “destressing tips,” along with a Pinterest Predicts “invest in rest” trend.

The Haven includes Idea Pins about rest from content creators globally. Suggestions range from meditation ideas to eating a healthier diet to uplifting quotes and nature pictures.

“People come to Pinterest looking for positivity,” Luke tells Muse. “This encapsulates the magic of Pinterest. Pinners can immerse themselves in one topic. They step into Pinterest and step into content that supports their needs.”

Offline, Pinterest created a Havens installation—complete with real-life Pins—in Boxville, located on Chicago’s South Side and curated by local artist Dwight White. QR codes on the IRL Pins drove viewers to the online Havens.

In addition, visitors could take a yoga class, make arts and crafts, and participate in a read-along with Chance the Rapper for “Chance and Bri’s Books and Breakfast.” Chance read The Boy with Big, Being Feelings by Britney Winn Lee.

The rapper also launched a Chance and Bri’s Books and Breakfast Pinterest board that will include ideas for parents to help their children with emotional wellbeing and boost their love for reading. The first Pin includes a recipe to create Be Still bottles and features Chance himself.

Pinterest is donating $80,000 to three local community-led organizations including Chance the Rapper’s Social Works and Urban Juncture foundation. The company also pledged over $1 million to national organizations focused on emotional wellbeing services and resources for underrepresented and marginalized groups.

“The offline event is supporting and uplifting the community,” says Luke. “Online, the Haven offers a sense of recognition that other people are experiencing the same things. Take a beat and exhale. What do you want your life to look like off the platform?”