5 Positive Instagram Accounts to Follow
In today's world, social media rules the roost. Social media allows us to connect over far distances, rapidly share ideas/thoughts, and expand circles of business. It is a game changer. Social media has so many benefits, but it also has some serious downfalls as well...especially in the recovery world.
Positive Social Media
The topic of social media comes up during sessions more often than you might think. Although social media has many positives, it can also negatively impact your mood. Often times my clients will describe certain accounts or posts enhancing negative feelings towards themselves or their life. Instagram, in particular, tends to display picture perfect bodies, outfits, homes, and all around lifestyles. Even if you are aware that the "perfect" life does not exist, social media can definitely leave you feeling less than or not good enough.
Positivity & Instagram: Take The Plunge - Unfollow!
Not long ago I found myself succumbing to this very situation. I often compared my life to those on Instagram, which left me feeling less than or not good enough. One day, I had enough. I unfollowed anyone that resulted in me feeling less than...which was A LOT. Let me clarify...it is not that the people behind these accounts made me feel this way or had ill intentions, but due to my own situation/emotions/etc. the result was a unhealthy relationship with these images. I was able to keep several accounts still dedicated to fashion, home decor, food etc., but I got rid of the ones that, for whatever reason, made me think twice about my life.
So, now what? Every person is different and every person experiences social media differently. I challenge you to ask yourself if following these accounts truly serves your goals. If you find that it does or doesn't affect you...great! Keep on, keeping on. If the answer is no...take the plunge. UNFOLLOW. Your recovery, mental health, body image, or overall well-being is more important than knowing what so-and-so is wearing.
5 Positive Instagram Accounts Everyone Needs to Follow
So now that you have taken the plunge and unfollowed, you have room to add some positive inspiration to you account. There are a ton of body positive, recovery oriented, and mental health accounts that provide inspiration, motivation, and/or tips and tricks. The 5 following Instagram accounts are ones that I encourage you to follow...
1. Beating_Binge_Eating by Brittany Brown
Brittany is a coach and speaker about all things binge eating. Having suffered herself with chronic dieting, body hate, and binge eating, Brittany leaves you feeling like you are not alone in the fight.
2. Jennifer_Rollin by Jennifer Rollin
Jennifer is a psychotherapist, eating disorder and body image specialist who writes for the Huffington Post. Her posts, as well as her articles, provide constant proof that body acceptance and knowing your worth is achievable.
3. Haleyshevener by Haley Shevener
Haley is a personal trainer pushing back on the cultural stigmas of the fitness industry. Haley promotes body positivity, satisfying/engaging movement, and a lifestyle free of judgement.
Gina identifies herself as a body positive warrior, self-love enthusiast and an eating disorder survivor. Gina's Instagram account constantly challenges the boundaries of body stereotypes...in a good way.
5. Leavingperfectionlearninggrace by Martha Kate
I have the privilege of personally knowing Martha and its hard to image that someone so cheerful and positive ever struggled with an eating disorder. Martha has no issues opening up and being vulnerable about a variety of topics including body image, eating disorders, and perfectionism on both her Instagram and her blog.
Dallas Nutritional Counseling now has an Instagram account, check us out and follow us on this journey of discovery your worth beyond food, weight, or body.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a Registered Dietitian to discuss emotional, compulsive, and/or binge eating, please visit my contact page or email me directly at caseybonano@gmail.com. #dallasnutritionalcounseling
New Group Starting! Virtual College Athlete Support Group: Dallas Nutritional Counseling is currently accepting interest forms for our College Athlete Nutrition Support Group. The group will start at the beginning of the Spring semester and run for 8 weeks January through March.