To go on the internet, or to not go on the internet – that is the question. Okay but seriously, each day there seems to be new debate as to whether or not going online can be extra damaging to our mental health right now. To each their own is truly the best way to handle it: if you need to disconnect, disconnect. But if you need good news, uplifting content, and generally some good ole fun to distract you from everything going on, boy have we got the accounts for you. Follow some of our favorites below.
@somewhereiwouldliketolive
Though it may come as a surprise to some, I have actually found great comfort in this interior design and travel inspo account during a time where we were all very much urged to stay home. While my own world right now seems to only consist of the few steps from my kitchen to my living room to my bedroom, and travel accounts could serve as a sad reminder of places we can’t currently visit, the soothing curation of photos on this account instead makes me feel hopeful for the places I could go, or even live, when we all navigate through this mess together. And while these pictures do evoke the want for travel and exploration, they’re seen through the lens of a beautiful living room or bedroom. At a time like this, that idea is very special — that even if the view outside my window was of the Italian Coast or I was nestled away in the English countryside instead of being holed up in my apartment, there’s beauty to being indoors. – Allegra Thomas
@alex_delany
Over the Winter, I have developed an obsession with Bon Appetit youtube videos and the Test Kitchen team that is just unshakeable. While I’ve always loved food and going out to eat, falling in love with these videos came at just the right time because now I’m finding as much joy in cooking a meal for myself as I would in trying out a new restaurant. Since it feels like I don’t have much to do right now for fun except cook, all recipe related accounts have worked their way up to the top of my feed. That said, Alex Delany– the Bon Appetit Drinks Editor — is one of my favorites because his cooking process is approachable, snack-heavy, and almost always involves a cocktail that pairs well AKA everything I could ask for right now. He also regularly develops recipes for a series called “Rent Week” where all the ingredients are pantry staples or very affordable (super useful in this time of economic uncertainty!) AND he shares playlists that he updates on a weekly basis that range from disco to just “Very Beautiful Songs”. In summary, things that make me smile all the time, but even more so right now. – Allegra Thomas
@covidgoodnews
We all have different approaches to handling COVID related stress and anxieties. Some have turned the news on 24/7, and some are disconnecting even further because being inundated with negative headlines all day while in quarantine mode doesn’t really do wonders for mental health. That’s why I’ve found comfort in COVIDGoodNews, an outlet specifically designed to share positive stories surround the virus. From the heartwarming story of health professionals in Atlanta coming to relive the front liners here in NYC to a woman getting married in her Quincenera dress and sharing a video with friends and family, this account is loaded with people putting a positive spin on a dire situation. – Hannah Smith
@mignonettetakespictures
Right now, I particularly love this account for the very reason that it hasn’t done anything in direct response to this global crisis. While there’s something undoubtedly comforting to reading public figures, influencers, and brand’s responses to Coronavirus and knowing that we are all in this together, the constant stream of information also is becoming overwhelming and difficult to navigate. This pandemic is doing a beautiful thing by creating communities in places you wouldn’t normally expect and bringing out moments of true humanity, but it’s also creating the pressure to have the perfect response to a situation that no one really knows how to react to. Prior to Coronavirus, this account shared pictures of baby animals, ripe fruit, and perfectly decorated cakes and during Coronavirus, they are sharing pictures of baby animals, ripe fruit and perfectly decorated cakes. It has always served as an escape of sorts through photos, which feels even more true right now! It’s the perfect place to go (via your phone) when the news cycle has worn you out and you just need a moment to regroup. – Allegra Thomas
@chrisellelim
Truthfully, I discovered Chriselle on a “I just downloaded TikTok” spiral – it’s way more addicting than I imagined! I found her Rich Mom persona hilarious and thoroughly enjoy all of the looks she serves while remaining an amazing mom. Chriselle became a quick follow for me, and I soon realized her IG shared the perfect mix of the content I love. Self-care, skin care, fashion, and a boss mom are some of my weaknesses when it comes to IG accounts and she has it down to a T. The best part, honestly, is that she shares some of her best TikToks on her IG as well (like the one above of her Joe Exotic inspired outfits), so you get prime content all in one place. – Hannah Smith
@skyting
My favorite yoga studio in the city has really kicked the at-home workouts up a notch. Filmed from their light-filled and airy studios, their twice daily yoga classes are nearly as chill as the real thing. Their IG was already fun to follow before, but now having the bonus option to tune in and break up the day, they’re a must-follow for keeping my body up and moving (and keeping my sanity, too.) Take this as a major hint to head over there once this all dies down— their studios are the best, especially if you appreciate a high ceiling. IRL Bonus: they provide mats too! – Susie Benitez
@serenakerrigan
Serena has branded herself the Queen of Confidence, and it’s easy to see why. I mean, she even calls herself Serena F*cking Kerrigan! While her confidence can be intimidating at first, you warm up quickly and even though you’re only every interacting through a screen, you feel like you come to know her incredibly well. Her content is always uplifting and empowering you to be the bad bitch within each of us, but that attitude is something I both need and appreciate right now. Don’t get me wrong: she’s not ignoring the difficulties that this pandemic has presented, but she acknowledges them in a very positive, very SFK way – a perfect example above. –Sara Sylvester
@manrepeller
I’m sure my coworkers are laughing to themselves while they read this because of course I’m recommending Manrepeller. They’ve been one of my favorite sites since I discovered them at around 15 years old (so like, that long) and I’ve been following them on Instagram ever since they hopped on the platform. Throughout this evolving situation, they’ve been WFH (like a lot of us) and their account has been rife with content of that sort— with the classic MR twist. Whether it’s an effortless #goingnowherebutfuckitimgettingdressed outfit selfie, a roundup of what they’ve been reading whole holed up, or a link to a poignant essay (or even just a series of questions!) about what life is really like while social distancing, I’ve come to really value their perspective now more than ever. It feels really good to, in all honesty, not feel so alone. Oh, and to remember that people wear heels. And jeans. That kind of stuff. – Susie Benitez
@sophia_roe
Sophia’s posts have always been some of my favorites because they are from the heart. This girl knows exactly what to say and how to say it, every damn time. Her personal stories, recipes, travels, even her trips to the farmer’s market, are made doubly as interesting because of her natural talent as a writer and storyteller. Now— the latter is what I’m really going to emphasize here. Sophia’s been going live (who hasn’t?!) with some of the craziest and funniest stories of her past jobs as a personal chef in Miami and New York City. When I tell you I was hooked on every word, I mean it. Before I knew it an hour had passed (maybe more?) and I was laughing my ass off. I had completely forgotten about what was going on in the world outside my room— if even just for an hour. I can’t wait for the next Sophia Story Time and I implore you to tune in, you won’t regret it. – Susie Benitez
@cleowade
Without overwhelming my feed (she’s literally posted maybe three times in the past week?), Cleo has maintained her sense of community on IG throughout this all. By sharing simple messages such as “Keep yourself safe. You are important. I love you.” she’s simply reminding us all that we are a priority, now more than ever, and that we are allowed to take time to care for ourselves. – Sara Sylvester
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Feature Image via Emma Craft
