It’s World Health Day, and considering the past year, being healthy is something I’ve truly come to be grateful for. For me, health encompasses so much more than the absence of illness. Rather, it involves something much more holistic, including everything from physical to mental to spiritual health, and all that lies in between.
Cape Town is studded with people, places, and information that has made leading a healthy lifestyle somewhat trendy. Personally, I find the notion of health as a trend to be a bit dicey. It stirs up an element of toxicity that robs genuine wellness of its core qualities.
Honest health has been replaced by fad diets and “fitspo” which has potentially harmful outcomes. Negative body image, feelings of inadequacy, and constantly chasing the next best thing have all been topics raised in my circle.
*Fitspo: the movement took off as an initiative to promote ideals like “strong not skinny.” However, I feel like its snowballed to become the opposite of its original intention.
A few months ago, I took the time to reevaluate my social media, delving into a deep digital detox.
Through the process, I weeded out all accounts that made me think twice about whether or not I was doing enough, whether or not I was enough.
I had no idea that such a small change would make such a big difference. The saying rings true: “What you feed, grows”. No longer will I mindlessly ingest the utter rubbish splashed on social media without conscious consideration.
This cleansing process has seen my social feeds transform from instigators of anxiety to places of inspiration and motivation.
Here are a few of my favourite accounts on Instagram.
1. Tania Hart
Health, to me, includes feeding the soul. Reading poetry is one such way I do that. Tania Hart bleeds a sense of raw feminine energy into everything she produces. Her work is stunningly honest, relatable, and inspiring.
View this post on Instagram
2. Tatjana Maria Lucia (tatjana__lucia)
This lovely Cape Town based lady is all about empowerment. She’s throwing away all forms of taboo that come with female sexuality, educating women on how to become their most sensual, empowered selves.
View this post on Instagram
3. mindbodygreen (mindbodygreen)
I’m a firm believer in “what you put in, you get out.” How you fuel your body is an underrated superpower that has transformed all aspects of my overall health. Part of this conscious way of eating involves knowing what’s in your food, where your food comes from, and eating for optimal performance (which relates to the physical, mental, and emotional).
View this post on Instagram
4. Pooky the Munchkin (littlemunchiepooky)
Yes, I do believe that adorable kitties are the best kind of therapy. Fill your life with what brings you joy. Smiling at a clumsy fur-ball is much more wholesome than comparing yourself to an unrealistic standard of life, beauty, productivity etc.
View this post on Instagram
5. Estefania Loret de Mola (stefyloret)
Mindfulness, self-awareness, and understanding intention are three elements that I have really tried to foster over the past year or so. How we interact with ourselves has a direct impact on how we interact with others, and visa versa.
View this post on Instagram
6. Andrea Hannemann (earthyandy)
Eating predominantly plant-based (although I live by the mantra “everything in moderation) left me scouring the internet for recipes that provide all the good stuff while ticking all nutritional boxes. I always find the best smoothie recipes here.
View this post on Instagram
7. Slimy Oddity (slimyoddity)
Sometimes, the complexities of life just need to be explained in cartoon form. Little lighthearted reminders scattered throughout my feed have proved to be rather powerful. I don’t always time (or the emotional capacity) to delve into a spiritual encyclopaedia.
View this post on Instagram
8. Mona-Jane Hannemann (rocamoons)
If lockdown taught me anything, it’s that working out at home produces the best results. A yoga mat and two-by-two-meter space has seen me fitter and stronger than ever. The best part? Everyday calls for a different routine, trainer, style or approach to getting your booty moving. Goodbye gym membership!
View this post on Instagram
9. Stephanie Miller (stephclairsmith)
This gorgeous gal always keeps things real. She’s one of the rare social media gurus promoting a balanced, realistic lifestyle. Her workout routines combined with a flexible and fun approach to health constantly remind me that perfection doesn’t exist, life should be approached with flexibility, and as always, moderation is key.
View this post on Instagram
10. Rising Woman (risingwoman)
I’ll admit, I’m not the greatest feminist (I believe in whole-hearted equality), but sometimes it takes a woman to speak to a woman. This platform dives into all things relationships – from the one you have with yourself to the ones you have with every other person in your life. I’m a sucker for a good horoscope, and I always get my daily dose here too.
View this post on Instagram
What we allow into our lives will continue to shape our everyday experiences. Ditch what doesn’t do for you and fill the gaps with an abundance of magic.
#RobynintheHood
Picture: Robyn.inthe.Hood @ Harvest Café