In honour of World Mental Health Day, we created a library (a maktaba) of Instagram’s leading ladies and men. Ahead, we learn more about how they prioritize their mental health, their daily mantra, and how they strive to raise awareness on mental health.
Andria Tayeh, Actress
The AlRawabi School for Girls star Andria Tayeh shared, “I deal with my mental health by isolating myself and staying alone. I pamper myself by ordering food and doing skincare routines. I sit and open up to myself and my best friend who passed away. The reason being that I think the only person who will always be here for me is myself.
Admiring nature helps me too, especially the ocean and sky as I feel like they’re infinite and unexplored, which gives me this feeling of mind ease and helps me relieve stress.”
Noor Stars, YouTuber
Our autumn cover star said in an interview with Cosmo about dealing with trolls and haters on social media, “I’ve been in this industry for four years now, so you get used to the pros and cons of the job. It’s kind of my job to accept people’s opinions and criticism. They don’t think of you as a human, they see you as more of an object available for public scrutiny, so you get used to it.
I’ve been working on not letting it affect me – the good and the bad comments because you need to work on both. These people don’t know me, and I need to remind myself that the good comments are not the reason that I am happy. Just like how you don’t let the bad comments be the reason that you’re sad.”
Sheikha Majda Jaber Hamoud Al Sabah, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Houna Initiative
“No one is immune to changes of mood, anxiety, and fear. Over the last few years, I have been openly speaking about the mental health challenges I’ve encountered and the depression that I faced. And since then, I have strived to be an advocate for destigmatizing mental health in the region,” said Sheikha Majda Al Sabah, founder of the Houna Initiative – a non-profit mental health platform providing knowledge, support, guidance and engagement for people dealing with mental health issues.
“However, raising awareness is no longer enough, hence the birth of Houna Initiative. Through the platform and its support groups, we aim to engage with those who would shy away from asking questions on mental health or seek support, and encourage people to achieve holistic well-being by advocating for mental and physical health in Kuwait, the GCC, and beyond.”
Fafa, Artist
“I think reminding myself to stay present instead of living in the past or thinking too far ahead in the future is what keeps me grounded and healthy,” said Fafa. This young rising songstress’ mindful practice is meditation, “I meditate when I wake up and as I’m going to bed, I think it’s so important to disconnect from busy days and to be more self-aware of your mind, body and soul.”
She continued, “One of my favourite mantras is “ what is for me will never miss me” and so I don’t get stressed out, feed into negativity or try to force things I want to happen. I put it out into the universe and I trust that what is good for me will happen, whatever that may be.”
Mayan El Sayed, Actress
This young Egyptian actress who has played alongside the likes of Yousra is going far, and the way she keeps her health in check is by “surrounding yourself with people who support you and truly love you.”
Mayan shared, “I also tend to always express my feelings and emotions through writing, talking with others, or any other method, but I never keep them inside me. I try to avoid negative people and negative comments in my life.”
Anas Bukhash, Entrepreneur and Speaker
Born and bred in Dubai, regional entrepreneur Anas has been making major moves with his viral show ‘AB Talks,’ constantly going from strength to strength. When taking care of your (and his) mental health, Anas says that it’s best “when you have a holistic balance to your day that supports the whole initiative. You need to check in with yourself frequently and try to meditate for ten mins every day. My advice: Learn to spend time alone and learn to be your own friend. Try to lead a holistic, balanced life that fits you.”
Mona Kattan, Entrepreneur
Kayali co-founder, influencer, and all-around boss babe Mona Kattan has a hectic life, but that doesn’t stop her from taking care of her mental health. “I just started therapy three years ago and I think my only regret in life is not starting earlier! Getting to know yourself is the most valuable investment you’ll ever make and having someone help you throughout the journey is really a game changer. We all need to speak more openly about therapy and how it can transform our lives because it is so important.
Most people I know say they don’t need therapy because they’re okay as they are but I question, do you wait until you’re sick to take care of your body? Do you skip the gym because you’re not unfit yet? I think people should be seeking to become the best, most aware version of themselves at all times.”
Laura Leonide, Curve Model
Born and raised in the Swiss mountains, Laura was always used to appreciating nature and the simple things in life. “2020 made me realize even more how precious spending time with my family and friends is and made me appreciate all the little things in life even more.” Happiness doesn’t necessarily come easy to anyone, but Laura’s advice is to “invest some time in personal development and personal growth. Only when you truly know who you are and your values – can you find your purpose and profound happiness.”
Manal Rostom, Athlete
Manal Rostom, the founder of Surviving Hijab and Nike ambassador, is a daily reminder to never settle for less than what you deserve. The fitness influencer says she prays five times a day and meditates for ten minutes every day, which not only helps keep her mental health in check but also to stay productive. “I try to write up a to-do list every day so I have my routine laid out before me and I can stay focused. I hope people can go easy on themselves and stay kind to each other during this very rough time. We are all trying to make it. NO need for the extra bling-bling,” said Manal.
Rhea Jacobs, Fashion and Beauty Blogger
Rhea is, by definition, a ray of sunshine. She had only 1,000 followers when she won the Marc Jacobs Beauty #CastMe competition (beating 100,000 other women to it), and has since gone on to become a voice for diversity, inclusivity and empowerment. “Since we get bombarded with so many facets of information and opinions, it’s so integral to detach yourself and only accept the ones that help with self-growth and add value,” she says. Rhea’s like many of us who didn’t get the memo when the pandemic turned into a productivity contest. “Listen to your body and mind, and do what nourishes your mental health.”
Reem Kanj, Entrepreneur
“I’ve gotten into the habit of sitting with my feelings,” says Reem. “I try really hard not to block anything from my mind or pretend I’m ok if I don’t feel fine. I journal a lot and spend time alone and allow myself to feel what I need to feel without becoming attached to it or letting it spiral out of control.”
In a world where everything and everyone needs to be defined, she says “Happiness to me means being truly content with yourself regardless of labels, geographical location or other people.” We just might have to take a page out of Reem’s book.
Alice, Nadine, and Fara, Brand Founders and Beauty Icons
@aliceabdelaziz, @nadineabdelaziz, and @fafiabdelaziz
Doing something that makes you feel good – be it dancing, exercising or cooking – are what the Bdelaziz sisters cite as ways to make you feel good. But nothing is as important to them as family and having each other. “I have a strong relationship with my sisters and I can’t think of a day where I don’t see them or talk to them. Being happy comes from our three F’s: family, food, and friends.”
Layla Al-Naif, 26, Yogi
Iraqi-British beauty Layla Al-Naif is all about gratitude and living in the moment. “Anytime I complain about something silly, I catch myself doing it and remind myself of all the positive things I have to be grateful for. It sounds simple but try it, you’ll notice a big shift in your perspective,” she shares with Cosmo.
“I post about myself, health, beauty and yoga, but not about my family, so I have that separation and privacy. Anytime I’m with my husband or daughter, I don’t want to be on my phone and so I leave it somewhere far away from me so I can enjoy those moments and be present.”
Natalya Kanj, Entrepreneur
Natalya’s ethos is looking after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. “I realised that you have to allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you’re going through and only then can you really move forward. I try to also do at least one thing a day that I know will make me feel good, this can be anything from working out to sending an email I’ve been putting off for a while.” In the age of social media, some tend to get lost in their devices. To Natalya, it’s all about balance. “I try to limit how much time I spend online, I think it’s important to be aware of how much time you’re spending in front of a screen.”
Mohammed Hindash, Makeup Artist
@hindash
“During quarantine, I’ve actually started painting again which is something that’s been on my mind for quite a while now, but due to my constant schedule of shooting and filming, I haven’t been able to,” said Hindash. “Art is the core foundation of what I do and how I started getting into makeup and beauty, so painting again has really centred and inspired me. I’ve also been spending all my time with my dog Timmy and he’s been keeping me sane, haha.”
Sara Sabry, Content Creator
Youtuber, vlogger, make-up lover, and all-around positive soul Sara Sabry is just your regular Egyptian-Canadian girl-next-door. Sorta, well kinda. With 1.5 million followers on Instagram and more than 183k on Youtube (cajj) it can understandably get hectic. Although Sara’s personality is basically sunshine-personified, constantly making us laugh and smile, there are days when it’s not so bright. Her top tip for staying sane? “Celebrate getting out of bed in the morning and go easy on yourself. I know it sounds silly, but I light a candle, put on some relaxing yoga music, and take ten minutes out of my day to just focus on breathing,” said Sara.
Ritu and Rinki Pamnani, Former Cosmo Cover Stars
@ritupamnani and @rinkipamnani
Ever, since we met identical twin sisters on the set of our cover shoot, former Cosmo alumn Ritu and Rinky, have been a constant source of positive energy. “Happiness is a state of mind,” they say. “We wouldn’t say that our life so far has been easy. We all have our own struggles and challenges that can either break us or make us. Some of them did break us, and those very moments made us who we are today. Like we always say: it’s not happening to you, it’s happening for you.”
Shahd, Model
Shad has built up a loyal following of nearly 400k on Instagram and the hijabi model shows no signs of slowing down. “I try not to attach my identity too much to my job,” she tells Cosmo. “I try to be more intentional about the content I put out; I could share a lot more, but if I feel like it’s not doing me any good to post it, then I won’t overshare. There’s so much pressure to stay relevant and constantly and consistently post, but I just remind myself that you don’t have to do that. The better care I take of myself, the better content I’m able to put out.”