When things got much too intense this year, I finally twigged to the direct correlation between my stress/happiness levels and the amount of time I was spending on social media.
Not quite yet willing to entirely remove myself from it, I instead went on an unfollowing and muting binge – which I’ve done several times more since.
Honestly, it is lifechanging and I HIGHLY recommend having a spring clean of your accounts. Actually, watch The Social Dilemma on Netflix and if you haven’t already thrown your phone out the window by that stage, it’s the perfect mindset to be in for a good old unfollowing spree.
After you’ve muted those tone-deaf celebrities, influencers who are packing a sad that from this week they have to mark posts as advertising, and acquaintances who like to rage about, well, everything, life is a much more serene place.
I’ve filled those angry spots with new accounts that instead lift my sprits – if you feel like doing the same, here are a few of my top picks:
Follow the Funny NZers…
Hilary Barry @hilary.barry
Hilary, who is hands down the Queen of lockdown, is also pretty much the NZ queen of Instagram with 152k followers. She describes herself as a “lippy suburban mother of two” and she 100% delivers, whether she’s unearthing gems from her childhood, behind the scenes LOLs at TVNZ, or lurking in the comments with excellent clap-backs.
The NZ Police @newzealandpolice
It’s not who you’d necessarily expect to go to for the LOLs, but this official account certainly serves up some very witty captions and genuinely funny posts – as well as keeping us all informed on a few serious things we need to know. I also very much appreciate that they keep us up to date (with pics!) when they’ve saved ducks from drainpipes, rescued kittens and have a cute new K9 recruit.
Brodie Kane @brodiejeankane
Yes, she does a great post, but Brodie’s magic is in her stories – they’re packed full of hilarity, particularly if she’s with her mum Jo Kane (who you also should follow on @jokane80). Brodie is refreshingly honest, open and full of good bants. Right now she and Jo are on an epic South Island trip and you simply must tag along.
Follow the Foodies…
Nici Wickes @niciwickesfood
Look, Nici Wickes is a national treasure. She whips up delightful, delicious recipes (that you’ll actually have the ingredients for in your pantry) and she does it all while keeping it real. Her sunny cooking videos are a must watch.
Alison Roman @alisoneroman
American Alison Roman (formerly of the New York Times) just makes delicious, beautiful looking meals and her posts will give you plenty of inspiration (and hunger pangs).
Follow for LOLs…
Caitlin Reilly @hicaitlinreilly
Californian comedian Caitlin Reilly is one of my favourite Insta discoveries of 2020. Her impressions are DEAD ON, whether she’s being a WASP mom, your friend at lunch who just went abroad, the girl who bullied you at high school now reading her wedding vows, or even Melania Trump memorising Michelle Obama’s speech. She’s gold.
Influencers in the Wild @influencersinthewild
Unfollow tacky influencers and instead follow this account which is mostly made up of footage everyday folks take of influencers in the middle of videoing their insane videos. Given the full context around them, it’s always funny.
Follow for Niche Animal Cuteness…
Steve Grieg @wolfgang2242
I discovered Steve Grieg on a Humans of New York post and his account always brings me joy. Steve’s life is overrun with animals – he has a whole pack of very senior rescue dogs plus Bikini the pig, Betty the chicken and Tofu the turkey. It’s delightful.
Bodega Cats of Insta @bodegacatsofinstagram
In New York just about every bodega (they’re like a small grocery shop) has a resident cat – and thankfully, this account just documents all the cute and weird spots they sleep and hang out in. It’s bizarre but wonderful.
Toady Toad @yaboi_toby_toad
Didn’t think this list could get more niche? Welcome in Toady Toad – a bizarre world of miniatures where a toad is the star. It’s kooky, but wonderful.
Follow for Inspiration…
Elizabeth Gilbert @elizabeth_gilbert_writer
The author of Eat Pray Love has been through a rollercoaster few years (or perhaps decade or two?). Spoiler alert if you haven’t followed along – but after she found her love in Bali (the last third of the book – the Love part) they ended up splitting. She instead found herself in love with her best friend – who just happened to be a woman, who was dying of terminal cancer. She’s been through the wringer, but brings so much joy, inspiration and food for thought to the table. If you’re not sure if she’s for you, head to her post on August 26, where she talks about the unexpected joy of leaving her door open, and finding a hummingbird in her home.
Jenny-May Clarkson @jmayclarkson
Breakfast’s Jenny-May Clarkson has also had a roller-coaster few years – she’s experienced great grief and tragedy, as well as welcoming great love. She fell in love with her now husband literally at first sight and a year later they welcomed twin boys. J-May posts fab inspiration, awesome family values and, she’s up at the crack of dawn exercising if you need some motivation to move your butt!
Kim Crossman @kimcrossman
Besides being downright hilarious, Kim also has a massive heart. Her account is full of her ups and downs, her wonderful pets (including her newest lot – a hive of bees). You must also follow her Pretty Depressed account (@prettydepressed) which links to her wonderful podcast, as well as providing daily hits of joy and inspiration.
