How many of us turn to our Instagram feeds after a stressful day? We love Twitter and Facebook, but we’re more likely to find those timelines full of news — and even some drama. You need humor, inspiration and gorgeous outfits you can count on. Of course, there are instances when your friend posts an uplifting photo at just the right moment, but when you’re tired, sad or stressed it’s no time to leave your happiness to happenstance.
Beauty Redefined
Lindsay & Lexie Kite, PhD are passionate about their nonprofit’s mission to teach positive body image through research-backed online education and speaking. The identical twins behind Beauty Redefined have their PhDs in the study of media and body image, a firm foundation that gives substance to their cause. Their Instagram feed reflects their goal — we dare you not to feel empowered after scrolling through relatable facts and illustrations on loving your body as well as thoughtful quotes on inner beauty, many from our favorite celebrities.
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Mindy Kaling
To follow Mindy on Instagram is to love her. The goofy, gorgeous and well-educated Womanista is an actress, comedian, writer and creator — and with all her success, she still seems as real as it gets. We feel like we’re getting a peek into Kaling’s day-to-day when we scroll through her feed, and that’s enough to inspire us — our favorite phrase about Beyoncé could be changed to “You have a many hours in a day as Mindy Kaling.” Along with her drive, we’re consistently impressed by fashions from The Mindy Project, the support she shows to her colleagues and her endless feel-good book recommendations.
A photo posted by Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) on
Bindi Irwin
If you watched Dancing With the Stars season 21, you likely fell in love with celebrity winner Bindi Irwin. Her infectious joy and can-do attitude, along with wisdom beyond her years, made us feel good every week after watching her performance with partner Derek Hough. Thank goodness she maintains an Instagram account that keeps spreading the love — happy moments with family and her adorable boyfriend, cute animal pictures and support for causes she cares about. She also shares sweet memories of her late father, Steve Irwin. With every post, this young Womanista brings a smile to our face as she continues to show she’s the queen of highlighting the good in life.
Kid President
We know you’ll be on board with this positive pick if you’ve heard Kid President’s laugh. That sound alone is enough to make your day, but so is the story behind the generosity-focused phenomenon and Robby’s resilience and perseverance while dealing with Osteogenesis imperfecta. We love the motivation we get from the quotes and videos shared by Robby and writer and director Brad. If nothing else, Kid President will remind you we all have struggles, while supporting the ability to give back despite your circumstances.
Keep going. #givebacktoschool @photofyapp
A photo posted by Kid President Official! (@iamkidpresident) on
Dear Kate
Dear Kate is an “underthings and yoga pants” company that has a strong Instagram game thanks to their cheeky, purposeful vision. Their products boast special material, they are made “for women by women” and the goal is to “give women the confidence to do anything by equipping them with apparel that’s up for the challenge.” Sensing a girl power theme, yet? We love that their Instagram feed shows their love for diversity and gives us a little encouragement with a side of sass.
Totally in love with this #girlpower art by @ambivalentlyyours #getitgirl #regram
A photo posted by Dear Kate (@dearkates) on
barre3
If you are looking to get healthy or stay there, barre3 gets it. Even if you’re not a client of this popular “ballet barre meets yoga and pilates” fitness program, the recipe ideas, transformation stories and all-around focus on health and happiness will attract you to press “follow.” We especially appreciate their focus on health beyond looks as well as their book recommendations — if you’re an avid reader, their selections are the perfect supplement to our Womanista book club.
Andy Cohen
It’s impossible to watch Andy Cohen for more than a few seconds without cracking a smile. The producer, author, radio personality and, most recognizably, host of Watch What Happens Live, always has a funny take on entertainment news as well as daily life. It doesn’t hurt that much of his feed is filled with his adorable dog, Wacha, celebrity photo ops and Anderson Cooper, his BFF and AC² tour mate. Even Oprah backs up our thoughts on Andy’s undeniable optimism.
Of 1000 episodes, this moment was one of my most unforgettable and amazing! #WWHL1000
A video posted by Andy Cohen (@bravoandy) on
Share Love Everywhere
A simple but unique concept, the Love Everywhere movement aims to make it easier to share love with others, especially strangers. Based in Nashville, TN, the organization’s Instagram account features the sweet, encouraging and thoughtful notes left for strangers to discover. There’s something for every Womanista, as classic quotes accompany modern song lyrics — see: Walt Whitman’s “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you” accompanied by Taylor Swift’s “Shake it off.”
A photo posted by Love Everywhere (@shareloveeverywhere) on
To Write Love on Her Arms
If you’re unfamiliar with To Write Love on Her Arms, you may still recognize the name as the nonprofit that won the $1 million grant from Chase at the American Giving Awards on NBC in 2011. They exist to present hope and find help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Whether or not you are dealing with mental health concerns, scrolling through the TWLOHA Instagram will feed your soul. Not unlike many of our picks, seeing others overcome life’s difficulties is a significant part of this feed’s potential to have a positive impact on our day by giving us perspective.
Welcome to April. Here’s what the TWLOHA calendar looks like today, thanks to @themelodyh.
A photo posted by To Write Love on Her Arms. (@twloha) on
The Pursuit of Joy Project
A few minutes scrolling through this feel-good feed and you are bound to have an uplifting day. Raw, beautiful and positive moments shared from all over the world. This little boy’s smile says it all!
A photo posted by pursue joy. catch happiness. (@thepursuitofjoyproject) on
Lauren Scruggs Kennedy
Fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs Kennedy made headlines when she was involved in a life-altering plane accident, and again when she recently wed E! host Jason Kennedy. She’s used her notoriety and experiences for good by becoming an inspirational author and the creator of a foundation that provides beautiful prostheses for woman in need. We love Lauren’s photos primarily because she is relatable even as she inspires us with her unique story. Plus, she loves clothes as much as we do. We’re drawn to her simple and gorgeous aesthetic as she shares beautiful sceneries, photos with her adorable husband and perfect fashionista captures.
Womanista
We may be biased, but we think of our Instagram feed as the ideal mix of fashion, inspiration, humor, food photos and, well, everything fabulous. We love sharing our best content with you — from a guide to our favorite spring bags and latest kitchen gadget trends to why you should stop body shaming and how to understand your baby’s sleep development. We hope to inspire you, inform you and make you laugh often.
