It’s safe to say that our social media obsessed culture and #DoItFortheGram attitudes aren’t changing any time soon. Whether you like it or not, Instagram has taken the world of fashion, fitness, food, and life as we know it by storm, one feed at a time. It comes as no surprise, then, that many are finding Instagram’s comparison game increasingly hard to handle. In fact, Time recently roasted Instagram as “the worst social media network for mental health and wellbeing. While the platform got points for self-expression and self-identity, it was also associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, bullying and FOMO, or the “fear of missing out.” With a toggle of a filter and a couple of Facetune swipes, anyone can now look like a model—what was once limited to glossy magazines, now can be created at home in the palm of your hand. It’s enough to make even the most confident, beautiful, and successful people on the planet judge themselves. We’ve all been there… and with so many options of profiles to follow online and so many expectations to meet IRL, (especially the ones we set for ourselves) – it’s no wonder many of us feel a little lost, unfulfilled, lonely, and not enough.
But, just as quickly as Instagram can bring you down, it can also lift you right on up and leave you better than you were before. In this spirit, we kick off day 1 of our 21-day social media makeover challenge. All of us at Camille Styles believe it is possible to navigate social media in a healthier and more positive way. I am a huge believer in being in control of the life you want and going after your goals, and if making yourself feel worse by way of Instagram isn’t what isn’t what you’re after from the online world (which, it probably probably isn’t), you can actively choose to make Instagram a better place for your mental wellbeing, starting today.
Read on for our list of 8 Instagram accounts that share valuable and insightful advice on personal development, entrepreneurship, career, health, fitness, fashion, lifestyle and travel. These feeds are inspiring, relatable, and never fail to brighten my day. So, what are you waiting for? Ready, set, follow!
Cleo Wade | @cleowade
Cleo Wade is an artist, poet, and author of the best selling book, “Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life.” Her work speaks to the power of self-love, the impact of beloved community building, and the importance and social justice. “You are my tribe, and I am yours, she says.” With a growing fan-base of over 340,000 followers on Instagram, her messages of positivity have extended even further with a recent Times Square display, TEDWomen talk, along with being named among most influential and most creative people lists.
Steph Claire Smith | @stephclairesmith
Steph Claire Smith is an Australian model and entrepreneur who isn’t scared to share the amount of blood, sweat, and tears that goes into life as a professional model and social media queen. Despite her tanned and sculpted insta-worthy body, Steph regularly opens up about her struggles with body image and inspires her 1.3M followers to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle that doesn’t exclude the finer things in life—(like popcorn and M&M’s!) She’s also created @keepitcleaner, an easy and affordable workout and nutrition program with her best friend and fellow-model Lauren Henshaw (@lauren.henshaw – definitely follow her too!)
Rupi Kaur | @rupikaur
What started as her humble collection of poetry and illustrations has evolved into two New York Times best-sellers, a loyal following of millions, and a global poetry tour. She started drawing at the age of five when her mother handed her a paintbrush and said—draw your heart out. Rupi views her life as an exploration of that artistic journey. Her beautiful, raw, honest, and short poems will get you thinking in a new perspective and help you see the world and situations you encounter in a new light. Rupi shares glimpses of her personal life that will inspire you to hit the reset button on your perspective, stop making excuses, and go follow your dreams. If you love what you see on her feed, I recommend listening to her amazing interview on Lewis Howes’ podcast – the School of Greatness.
Lee Tilghman | @leefromamerica
Lee is a Los Angeles-based clean recipe developer, holistic healer, matcha loving plant lady who never fails to keep it real. Well + Good (and about 400k followers agree that, “Lee has become a leading voice in wellness because she doesn’t just showcase her “highlight reel.” She shares everything from her struggles with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to post-breakup healing—and isn’t afraid to make fun of herself in the process.” Lee helps me to remember that even the smallest of life’s victories deserve a full on living room dance party under the disco ball.
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Humans of New York | @humansofny
Real people, real stories, real obstacles, and real triumph.Humans of NY is a collection of wisdom gathered by Brandon Stanton from the streets of New York City. The gritty photography, hilarious videos, and life-altering perspectives on day-to-day life make this account truly inspirational. downright hilarious and tear-jerking all at once. It doesn’t get any more real than this.
Chrissy Teigen | @chrissyteigen
Stretch marks, baby spit up, self-doubt, fake b*itches… there is nothing that Chrissy doesn’t openly show and honestly talk about to her 16M+ followers. Her account incredible reminder that ‘celebrities: they’re just like us’, and at the end of the day, everyone is human—even those that may appear to have it all.
Gary Vaynerchuk | @garyvee
If you’re looking for someone to light your fire, look no further than Gary V (who would then immediately tell you to turn around and go look in the mirror.) His feed is filled with motivating career advice that make you think twice before blaming your unhappiness or lack of motivation on anyone else but yourself. He will not only get you up and moving to start your side hustle or check off your ToDo list, but will teach you how to be patient, increase your self-awareness, and maintain perspective as you build your empire. If you love what he shares on his feed, be sure to check out his daily vlogs and listen to his podcast, the Gary Vee Audio Experience. The advice in-depth advice he shares on how to work smarter (not harder) will help grow your business and instill a ‘the world is your oyster‘ attitude in the process.
Amy Poehler Smart Girls | @amypoehlersmartgirls
Amy Poehler and Meredith Walker’s Smart Girls organization is dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. “We emphasize intelligence and imagination over ‘fitting in.’ We celebrate curiosity over gossip. We are a place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves. We are funny first, and informative second, hosting the party you want to attend.” This account will inspire you to always be and celebrate all forms of your truest self. “Because you change the world by being yourself!”
