Instagram accounts to follow for a daily dose of inspiration

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Social media has garnered quite a negative reputation of late — it’s often seen as a toxic environment that encourages people to idolise others, creates a need for social affirmation, invites envy and FOMO (fear of missing out), stirs negative thoughts about oneself and even promotes criticism. In fact, you’ve probably heard of people going on a ‘social media detox’, where they take a break from posting or viewing their feeds.

Social media is all of the above, for sure, but there’s a flip side to everything. If used properly, it can also be a source of love and positive energy, and can inspire conversation and hope too. It all depends on who you’re following, what you’re choosing to see and who you want to interact with.

So rather than follow all those slim and unrealistically stunning Instagram influencers who seemingly make your life appear dull and boring because they just seem to have it all, follow accounts that will inspire you, every day, with quotes and imagery that help promote a positive mindset instead. Get rid of negativity and make a conscious choice to only allow happy things to enter your life.

For the sake of your mental well-being, here are 10 accounts to start following on your positive #inspo journey:

1. @Powerofpositivity

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A post shared by Power of Positivity (@powerofpositivity) on Mar 17, 2019 at 6:25am PDT

This account will try post every hour — flushing your feed with beautiful quotes overlaid on pretty imagery too. With 3.8 million followers, you know they’ve done something right. Use these quotes as your personal mantras, or simply as a daily reminder.

2. @humansofny

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A post shared by Humans of New York (@humansofny) on Feb 9, 2019 at 11:44am PST

Feel inspired by these stories of everyday people on the streets of New York, as they talk about their life experiences, struggles, fears, triumphs and relationships. This account is all about celebrating the small but meaningful moments in our lives. It’s bittersweet but also very insightful and stirring. You can also follow @humansofsingapore for stories of people closer to home. Just as sweet.

3. @Mantramagazine

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A post shared by Mantra Wellness Magazine (@mantramagazine) on Mar 18, 2019 at 8:45am PDT

Cheeky, uplifting and relatable, this one posts super apt quotes that make you smile and say “hell yes!”. They also have powerful images and quotes that focus on your well-being and to push your energy to new levels.

4. @amypoehlersmartgirls

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A post shared by Amy Poehler's Smart Girls (@amypoehlersmartgirls) on Nov 2, 2018 at 11:30am PDT

Created by American actress and comedian Amy Poehler with producer Meredith Walker, the account aims to celebrate a woman’s true self and to create a community of authentic, thoughtful, engaged, humorous, passionate, curious and protective women — a sisterhood, if you will.

Read their stories and view their videos about young women who are brimming with potential. “We want you to truly be your weird and wonderful selves! We emphasise intelligence and imagination over “fitting in.” We celebrate curiosity over gossip,” said one of its staff. Bravo.

5. @Wildembodiedwomen

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A post shared by WE Women (@wildembodiedwomen) on Mar 8, 2019 at 8:35am PST

Another account that wants to “inspire powerful women to lead with confidence and create a successful life on purpose”, the aim is to connect all women as sisters, and not view each other as enemies. Posts are encouraging and supportive, pushing you to be your best self and to recognise your inner beauty and strength.

6. @Awaken_healers

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A post shared by awaken_healers (@awaken_healers) on Mar 18, 2019 at 7:22am PDT

This account is good for delving deep inside, and bringing out the healer in you. It will prompt you to address both your inner thoughts and your surroundings, to aim for a better lifestyle. We love that it promotes awakening your own voice, being kind and respectful to others, and accepting your own journey.

7. @dogsofinstagram

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A post shared by DogsOf (@dogsofinstagram) on Mar 10, 2019 at 7:16am PDT

Dogs, dogs every day. Need we say more? For a daily dose of cute, look no further than this account that floods your feed with photos of adorable pups in goofy and silly poses. Guaranteed to make you go “aww” and push your problems away.

8. @witanddelight_

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A post shared by Kate Arends (@witanddelight_) on Mar 18, 2019 at 12:24pm PDT

Founded by marketing consultant Kate Arends, this account is all about “designing a life well lived” and will motivate you to live simply and quietly. The photos of beautifully-designed, not to mention clean and orderly, rooms will make you want to KonMari your home in quick time. Here is where you can get inspiration for that home project that you’ve been putting off. You’ll also catch glimpses of her cute English labrador, Winnie Bear, as well as her two adorable kids.

9. @ohhappyday

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A post shared by Oh Happy Day (@ohhappyday) on Mar 2, 2019 at 11:59am PST

It’s scientifically proven that bright colours can boost your mood. So immerse yourself in the cheery and wonderful colours of this account, which has posts that are so happy and fun that they are guaranteed to lift your spirits. It’s like throwing confetti on your life every day.

10. @Thepositivediaries

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A post shared by The Positive Diaries (@thepositivediaries) on Mar 15, 2019 at 11:58am PDT

This account is pure positivity — in all shapes and forms. It helps you concentrate on your own path, your own energy, and streamlines your thoughts into pushing yourself to your best possible self. It also promotes leaving bad things behind and being loving to others. Always important things to remember.

ALSO READ: SECRETS TO BEING HAPPY AND CONTENTED IN SINGAPORE