Spanish content creator Rodri Navarro said taking care of mental health should be treated with the same importance as any physical body part.
The 26-year-old influencer, who holds an undergraduate degree and a master's degree in industrial engineering alongside his work as an athlete and pianist, has amassed more than 600,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok under the username @rodrinavarrooo.
Navarro made the statements after stepping away from his engineering career two years ago to dedicate himself to social media, converting his online presence into a primary profession while preserving his educational background.
Switching from engineering to social networks
Before becoming a full-time content creator, Navarro prioritised completing his academic studies in industrial engineering, an academic discipline focused on optimizing organizational processes and production systems. He noted that because social media success arrived relatively late in his development, he was able to finish both his undergraduate degree and his master's degree without digital distractions.
Navarro previously worked as a professional engineer at a construction company alongside his brother. As their online popularity grew, the siblings began receiving an increasing volume of commercial proposals on social media that proved too financially profitable to refuse.
The brothers agreed to pause their engineering employment two years ago and reported being highly satisfied with the transition. Navarro added that he does not rule out returning to the engineering sector in the future if his digital creator career comes to an end.
Collaborating with family and setting an example
A central element of Navarro's online content is his close collaboration with his brother. Although the pair initially launched their online presence through a shared joint account before establishing individual profiles, they continue to film the vast majority of their material together to maintain their distinctive style.
Navarro explained that while the brothers frequently tease each other and maintain a competitive dynamic in their videos, they rarely experience genuine arguments over their work. He credited their mutual support as a major factor in their sustained success.
With a large community of young followers who have watched his channels for years, Navarro accepts a degree of responsibility as a role model. He uses his platform to promote healthy living, athletic participation, and reading among young people.
He also urges his audience to pursue university degrees, asserting that effective time management allows students to complete their academic responsibilities while still reserving leisure time for social media.
Handling online harassment and political debate
Navarro recalled that when he and his brother first published fashion videos online, they faced a wave of public criticism, including messages calling them snobs and telling them to search for traditional employment. He stated that the comments did not hurt them because they reviewed the messages together, laughed at the negativity, and moved forward.
However, Navarro acknowledged that receiving continuous negative feedback can severely impact creators who work alone. He noted that reading harsh comments for days can lead individuals to question their choices, adding that he knows numerous creators who abandoned social media due to online harassment.
Addressing the public debate over whether online figures should take positions on current events, Navarro expressed the view that creators with audiences accustomed to topical commentary should share their views. Having voiced his own opinions in the past without regret, he emphasized that creators focused strictly on comedy or entertainment should not feel obligated to speak out.
He explained that taking controversial political stances carries commercial risks, as brand managers with opposing views may divert sponsorship opportunities to other creators. Navarro stated that he refuses to jeopardize lucrative brand contracts over issues that ultimately require action from higher-ranking public officials.
Managing fame and constant mental pressure
Reflecting on public attention, Navarro rejected claims from other influencers who complain about public exposure. He stated that being recognized by members of the public is proof of high-quality work and that he appreciates shaking hands with supporters who enjoy his videos.
Instead, Navarro identified the inability to disconnect from work as the most difficult aspect of his profession. He explained that he is constantly thinking about creating, recording, editing, and scheduling brand campaigns, which generates persistent mental pressure.
He warned that unmanaged pressure can develop into significant anxiety, noting that many online creators require psychological therapy to handle severe mental health issues caused by constant work exposure.
Generational concerns and career fears
When asked about key concerns affecting his generation, such as housing access, job stability, mental health, and climate change, Navarro identified mental health as his primary focus. He remarked that while every generation faces unique hardships, modern society is giving psychological well-being greater attention.
He criticized societal pressure that forces individuals to feel they must always appear well, make constant progress, and project a successful image. Navarro stressed that caring for the mind should receive the exact same priority as caring for any physical body part, urging people to discuss their feelings without fear of perceived failure.
Navarro admitted that he spent a long time worrying that devoting years to social media would prevent him from re-entering traditional engineering roles later in life. He explained that he eventually overcame this fear by focusing on his present happiness and job satisfaction.
He added that public exposure taught him that he is mentally stronger than he previously believed, confirming that criticism affects him far less than expected while reinforcing his strong work ethic and consistency.
Personal background and quick preferences
In a series of rapid questions detailing his personal life, Navarro named Spanish marathon runner and motivational speaker Álex Roca as his primary role model. Roca is widely celebrated in Spain for completing marathons and endurance events despite living with cerebral palsy and severe physical impairment.
Navarro revealed that TikTok is his most frequently used smartphone application, while the Latin urban track Baby Lover by Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Ñengo Flow is his current favorite song on repeat.
For holiday destinations, he selected La Barrosa beach, located in Chiclana de la Frontera, a popular coastal municipality in the Andalusian province of Cádiz in southern Spain.
He named peas as the food item he detests most, selected Spanish international footballer Marc Cucurella as the celebrity he would choose to swap lives with, and confirmed his zodiac sign is Virgo.
When asked to prioritize between health, money, and love, Navarro chose health, observing that without good health, a person lacks everything else.
