Every Sunday, my phone sends me a report of the number of hours I spent on it and more often than not, the results horrify me. Over the last year, our phones have become our number one solution to numb our brain and at the same time, cram it with information. ‘Doomscrolling’, aka obsessively checking your feeds for news, even though you know it’s not good and won’t do you any good, has become the norm, and I have taken it upon myself to break my habit.
Your social media has a lot to do with your mental health and thanks to this article, I have found a treasure trove of empowering accounts for women, by women. These aim to educate us about our bodies in the most non-condescending way possible. Sort of like talking to your friend, you know? Curating my feed to make sure it is a source of learning and not stress was a struggle, but here are five feel-good Instagram accounts I am following for a major dose of girl power…
@dr_cuterus (Dr. Tanaya Narendra)
With over 447 thousand followers to her credit, the University of Oxford graduate, Dr. Tanaya Narendra, is very well known for her frank, shame-free and to-the-point approach to sexual health. She creates a discussion around topics that aren’t often discussed, like abortions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), intimate hygiene and more.
@leezamangaldas (Leeza Mangaldas)
As a sex-positive content creator, Leeza Mangaldas aims to educate her audience about consent and sexual health, minus any awkwardness. She approaches topics like sex, contraception and pleasure in a very ‘no biggie’ way, which in turn encourages people to ask her their questions and queries.
@themindmedic (Dr. Sarah Vohra)
If you’re looking to reduce the negative impact of social media on your own wellbeing, I suggest following Dr. Vohra. She’s a UK-based consultant psychiatrist who talks about tackling premenstrual tension, eating disorders, and how to take care of your mental health during the lockdown.
@gynaegeek (Dr. Anita Mitra)
For some major vaginal health intel, follow Dr. Anita Mitra. The UK-based gynaecologist and author of The Gynae Geek: Your No-Nonsense Guide To 'Down There' Healthcare, regularly busts myths about lady parts on her Instagram. She explains things (including why you definitely don’t need to steam your vagina) in a very friendly, frank manner, and often shares her own experience on the page, making it even more relatable!
@danamercer (Danae Mercer)
Model and influencer Danae Mercer’s photos are often (illegally) picked up and promoted on social media by weight loss product brands, some even claiming they’re before and after shots. As infuriating as it must be, Mercer makes sure to not steer from her path. Her aim on the ‘gram is to highlight how social media sets unrealistic standards for women’s bodies, therefore she steers clear of filters and posts pictures as they are–imperfections and all. She shows us how lighting and poses can literally change the appearance of your body and how you loving it is the only validation required.