At Cocobella we’re lucky to work with some creative, talented and fun ambassadors like Zac White. In this blog he tells you why his Stay Happy project matters to him. And shares his fave music, trend predictions and all round good vibes.
Cocobella: You have created the Stay Happy project to promote having a positive outlook/mental health and we love it! Do you ever have days when you can’t cheer yourself up or get out of a bad mood? What do you do on those days?
Zac: I actually have a lot of down days. I guess people think because it seems like I’m living the life it doesn’t mean I’m not human and don’t have times where I find myself struggling. I think a big thing for me is I doubt myself a lot, I often question myself about what I am doing and if it is going to be a sustainable way of living. I love what I do, no doubt about that, but when your passion becomes your way of paying the bills, there are times where it feels like a job, which is where I find myself feeling lost, unmotivated or in a creative rut. I think this is normal, but it certainly comes down to how you look at it.
I could go on forever but this is literally the main reason why I started the Stay Happy Project! To motivate me to go out and do what makes me happy, capture it through photography or videography (because that’s what I love), then share it with the world to inspire them to do the same. I think your own happiness should really be a priority in any decision you make.
So yes I have down days but I make sure that I try to get out of that state of mind as soon as I can. I think for me the best thing to do is acknowledge how I am feeling and know that happiness is a choice and I can turn these bad days around. So often what I do is make sure I put down my phone and stay off social media, as I feel social media can be a misleading way to cover up your emotions and how you feel, so I cut that out. Then I simply plan something to do or something that I know will make me cheer up, no matter what my work load for the day is. This can be as small as going for a swim, walking to get a coffee, hanging with friends or as big as just booking a trip away to reset and relax.
At the end of the day these down moments can be combated through reflections of gratitude. Being grateful for what you have in your life now and making most of the present moment, because today really is a gift.
Cocobella: We love your photography and video (obviously) but we know you are also a massive music lover. What are you listening to lately? And do you have a playlist we can share with our followers?
Zac: I love my music! I was lucky enough to grow up around friends that were in bands and playing gigs around Perth, which really made me passionate about music. There’s definitely a few local Perth bands/artists such as Great Gable, Spacey Jane, Dice, Jordy Maxwell, Michael Dunstan and I’ve also been loving Boo Seeka, Pacific Avenue & Caravana Sun at the moment. But if you look up Cosmic Vibez on spotify you’ll find a playlist of all the songs I like 😉
Cocobella: What is your favourite place in Aus and what memory did you just think of from that place?
Zac: Well it’s a bunch of small islands pretty far off the coast of WA but it’s still part of Australia, but that’s Coco Islands. An absolute tropical paradise that has everything I lvoe there! It’s is so so remote that there is no reception, unless you pay for wifi and food gets delivered to the island once every 2 weeks!
My favourite memory of this place was taking a little boat full of friends and camping gear to this tiny little remote island. We lit a fire and danced around it all night drinking coconuts mixed with rum haha! It was pretty surreal just being you and your friends and literally no one else.
Cocobella: Influencer is a changing term but who or what is influencing you lately on social media or otherwise.
I’m probably most influenced by the people around me. I do my best to make sure I surround myself with positive people, those that inspire me and those I have a lot in common with. But honestly, this Stay Happy Project is something I’ve created to be the main influence for me to do what makes me happy. There are also some things on social media that are quite influential and I’m beginning to see a lot of positive and inspiring content on platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram reels, which is quite inspiring.
Cocobella: What do you think is the next big thing or trend?
Zac: This is the question we all ask ourselves ahah I think the only way forward is authenticity. However that is conveyed I’m not sure but the only way to stand out and be different is be yourself. Possibly more live videos and Tik Tok/Reels. Reason I love Tik Tok and Reels is it’s more relatable content then the overly edited photo & video you see on Instagram and Youtube.
Cocobella: Any tips for reducing our screen time and getting outside more?
Zac: One thing I can highly recommend is do not look at your phone, not even once, in the morning for at least an hour! This will help reduce any anxiety you might have in the morning (if you’re overthinking things to do for the day) and set up your day nicely. I like to also try to hit the beach as often as I can, which helps me get up and out of the house and feel refreshed when I hit the water. If it’s not the beach it’s something I’ve locked in to do that day, which involves being outside.
I also try to plan at least 1 trip away a month. Whether that’s camping or just a little bit out of town in an air bnb, just something to take the mind off things and be a bit of a reward for any hard work you may be putting in.
Cocobella: Finally how are you eating or drinking your Cocobella lately?
Zac: So if you know me well you might already know I love pouring a shot of coffee over ice with coconut water, damn this tastes soooo good! I’m also a big fan of mixing coconut yoghurt with this vegan granola (Coastal Crunch), which is not only healthy but super tasty and filling.
