Recently I’ve found myself aimlessly scrolling through my Instagram feed which I’ve found to be repetitive, monotonous and just unmotivating. I’ve been seeing the same celebrities portraying an unrealistic body image, the same influencers advertising workout protein and the same ads telling me to spend $50 to get free shipping at Sephora (which I know is oh so tempting). Does this sound familiar? 

 

A few weeks ago I gave my Instagram feed an overhaul where I unfollowed a bunch of accounts that just didn’t spark joy. I asked myself ‘does this account provide me any value?’. By value I mean, does it make me laugh, does it inspire me, does it teach me something or does it connect me to something? To my surprise, I had unfollowed over almost a hundred accounts which mainly accumulated from entering so many competitions (which I’d never won). Although this was therapeutic and refreshing, my Instagram feed was still not providing me with much ‘value’. I was on the hunt for new accounts that inspired me, motivated me and made me feel like a better person. I turned my feed from bikini pics to business leaders and have not looked back since!

 

If you find yourself aimlessly scrolling Instagram, why not overhaul your feed? It won’t only give you the fresh start you might need during these COVID times, but you won’t feel as guilty spending time aimlessly scrolling - well that’s what I tell myself anyway. 

 

My news feed took weeks to curate but if you’re stuck on where to start I recommend the following micro-influencers, business role models, sustainable businesses and just all-round-feel-good accounts to get you started. 

 

Sustainable Businesses 

@the.eco.warrior 

An online hub where you can find inspiration and purchase easy alternatives to reduce your waste and live a more sustainable lifestyle.

 

@juddarnje

A business creating only natural and safe skincare products. Juddarnje harnesses the knowledge of First Australians and nature’s finest ingredients. 

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Wellness 

@georgiestevenson

A lawyer turned entrepreneur, co-founder of Naked Harvest Supplements, host one of the most popular self-help podcasts in Australia, and Australian social media personality with a community of over 300 thousand!

 

@calltimeonmelanoma

Founded by Lisa Patulny @lisapatulny, Call Time On Melanoma (CTOM) is a platform through which to share their ambassador Natalie Fornasier's inspiring story. Natalie was diagnosed with stage III melanoma at the age of 20, and again with stage IV at 24.

 

Tech/Start Up

@girledworld

girledworld is a global community inspiring, connecting, educating and equipping the next generation of female leaders, entrepreneurs and change-makers.

 

@ladystartups

The meeting place for women who are starting, running (or dreaming of) their own biz. Sisters doing it for ourselves. Founded and curated by Lady Startup Mia Freedman, co-founder of the Mamamia Media Co.

 

@leoalhalabi

Leo is the CEO & Owner of one of Australia's largest and fastest growing in-home private tutoring services. In addition to his full-time business focus, he has authored a business-focused book titled "The First Step". Leo also established a results-focused Digital Agency that specialises in lead generation for high-ticket service businesses and online user acquisition for eCommerce brands.

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@gerrysakkas

PlaySide CEO Gerry Sakkas, is someone who has packed plenty into the first 25 years of his life. He’s gone from working with EA at Visceral to starting up his own company. Since launching his app business in 2012 with two friends, Sakkas’ company now employs 50 staff and has partnered with some of the biggest entertainment brands in the world including Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros and Nickelodeon.

 

@gamminthreads

Yorta Yorta, Taungurung, Boonwurrung and Mutti Mutti woman Tahnee Edwards was inspired to start Gammin Threads based on the 2018 NAIDOC week theme ‘Because of her, we can’. For Tahnee, Gammin Threads is a means of contributing to the Indigenous rights movement.

 

Society and Culture 

@soalihaofficial

Soaliha loves a good chat on pop culture and politics. She’s an advocate on race and racial representations in media, and she's a staunch feminist (with a great podcast!). 

 

@yassmin_a

Yassmin Abdel-Magied is an award-winning social justice advocate, writer and former mechanical engineer. She has dedicated her life to building a world that is safe and just for all, informed by her personal experience as a Sudanese-born Muslim migrant, as well as the ample evidence of injustice that is plain to see, all around us.

 

@laylafsaad

Layla F. Saad is a New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, anti-racism educator, international speaker, and podcast host on the topics of race, identity, leadership, personal transformation and social change.
 

Inspiring Individuals/Accounts

@nasablueberry

At only 19 years old Alyssa Carson will be destined to be the first astronaut to go to Mars. #inspired

 

@justgirlproject

Relatable and inspiring posts to empower women

 

Productivity

@smartwomensociety

Motivating you in money, career, wellbeing and love. They also are releasing eBooks!

 

@_mandy_money

Teaching you the basics on all things finance. Mandy was started by three finance students from Melbourne, Australia.