In pursuit of an enthralling novel, I began perusing the internet for book recommendations when on a whim I decided to search for new release titles on Instagram. And boy, I was not prepared for what I found! My jaw hit the floor as a plethora of neatly arranged photos showcasing books of all sizes, colours and genres filled my screen. Caption boxes overflowed with thought-provoking literary discussions and chains of bubbly, bookish conversation flooded the comments. It was Instagram like I’d never seen before! I’d quickly learn this intriguing community was called bookstagram and dare I say it was love at first sight. I was immediately determined to start an account of my own and it didn’t take long to notice the positive influence the bookish community was having on my wellbeing.
So, how exactly did bookstagram benefit my mental health?
1. It served as a creative outlet
Amidst times of turmoil, I’ve always found art to be a great source of relaxation. The process of creating an aesthetic bookstagram feed therefore proved to be rather therapeutic. From arranging props to selecting colour schemes and adding cute graphic effects in post-production editing, the challenge of designing captivating bookish photos provided a welcomed distraction from the hardships of life.
2. It allowed me to connect with like-minded people
One of the worst things you can do in a low slump is socially isolate yourself. Bookstagram offered a unique platform upon which I could strike up bookish chat with people all across the globe. Yes, it was only online conversation, but the effect it had on boosting my mood was phenomenal. I’ve been blessed to interact with so many inspiring people in the bookish community, a handful of which I’ve gotten to know on levels beyond our literary interests.
3. It provided a platform from which I could help others
Unexpectedly, my involvement with bookstagram opened doors to some amazing collaborations. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with authors, publishers and companies to promote their products, services and visions. It was through this work, in which I could help others, that I rekindled my own happiness. Turns out Buddha was right, ‘if you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path’.
4. It encouraged me to focus on the positives
The enjoyment I derived from bookstagram served as a constant reminder that despite the struggles, there were still good things in life to cherish. Even after the hardest day, I knew bookstagram would be there to expand my reading horizons, stimulate my imagination and lift my spirits. It was a platform upon which I felt empowered to explore new possibilities and challenge my boundaries; healthy mantras I have since applied to all aspects of life.
So, there you go. Despite popular belief, it turns out bookstagram has the power to offer much more than just pretty pictures. I have the bookish community to thank for a much-needed positive shift in my headspace and would implore anyone considering starting an account to take the plunge. I may have a lot to learn about the world, but it delights me to say, with resounding certainty, that discovering bookstagram has been the single happiest accident of my young life so far!